April 20th - 24th

I am from the land that struggles for freedom.
I am from the rice field, water buffaloes and cows.
I am from the place where
Blood floats like rivers.

Innocent souls are trapped under the ground.
Dead bodies haven't yet been buried.
A beautiful barn becomes a cemetery.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

I am from the place I hold now only as a memory.
I am from a family with hearts like stones.

Cang Dao

I am from old pictures
and hand sewn quilts.
I am from the Yerba Buena
to the old walnut tree that is no more.

I am from carne con chile
to queso con tortillas.
I am from farmers and ancient Indians
to the frijoles and sopa
they ate.

Lurdes Sandoval

I am from bobby pins, doo rags, and wide tooth combs.
I am from prayer plants that lift their stems
and rejoice every night.

I am from chocolate cakes and deviled eggs
from older cousins and hand-me-downs
to "shut ups" and "sit downs"

I am from Genesis to Exodus,
Leviticus, too.
church to church, pew to pet

I am from a huge family tree that begins with dust
and ends with me.

Oretha Storey

I am from Aztlan
where many battles and wars were fought.
I am from the strength and courage of the Aztecs
who died for our freedom.
I am from traditions and customs
from posadas and quinceñeras
to día de la muerte and buena suerte.

I am from the blood of my ancestors,
the dreams of my grandmother,
the faith of my mother,
and the pride of my culture.

I am from the survivors.

Alejandro Vidales