UnidosUS and the Smithsonian Latino Center Day of the
Dead Celebration: Making History Together
by Xánath Caraza and Melissa Carrillo
 |
Ofrenda
para Día de Muertos. From left to right: Frida Larios, Local Community Artist;
Melissa Carrillo, SLC New Media & Technology Director; Xánath Caraza, Poet
& Bloguera; Loretta L. Rodríguez, UnidosUS Deputy Vice President, Human
Resources. Photo by Tyler Orsburn.
|
Healing is the first word that
comes to my mind when I recall the amazing program of events we had at the
UnidosUS headquarters in Washington, DC on November 1 to celebrate life, and honor
our ancestors and deceased loved ones. Melissa Carrillo, Director of New Media
and Technology, from The Smithsonian Latino Center (SLC) spearheaded the
various activities for the afternoon including the installation of two
community ofrendas/altares in the Lobby space of UnidosUS. Jose Ralat-Reyes, Digital Media Manager for
SLC worked on both installations and coordinated a Facebook live stream in
collaboration with UnidosUS. Loretta L. Rodríguez,
UnidosUS Deputy Vice President, Human Resources, and her team from UnidosUS
facilitated the space, financial support, delicious and authentic tamales,
along with hot chocolate y pan de muerto for this occasion. Many thanks to Holly
Blanchard, UnidosUS CFO, who was in step with us throughout the Day of the Dead
Celebration.
With a devoted crowd, we
started with opening remarks by Holly Blanchard, followed by a thoughtful
blessing to the four directions.
Everyone meditated during this first meaningful activity preparing us
all for what followed. The Meaning of
the Ofrenda, a momentous explanation of the different elements that comprise
the Day of the Dead alter, was next. For
example, we learned that marigolds are used on the alter because of their
color. Yellow is the color of death
among pre-Hispanic Mexicas. We also
learned that black came later with the introduction of Christianity to the
Americas. We also learned the name for
marigolds in Spanish, Cempaxóchitl, is actually a word in Nahualt, the language
of the Mexicas/Aztecs, and is comprised of two indigenous words, cempa that
means 400, and xóchitl which translates as flower. As a result, Cempaxóchitl is the flower of
the 400 petals. Fascinante, ¿verdad?
The Dead Poets Open Mic
followed our cultural discussion. I had
the opportunity to perform several of my original poems, such as “Catrina”, both in Spanish
and English.
Lastly, our tribute to Albert Jacquez was well received.
What a better way to remember such an inspiring leader than with a
poem. The following poem I wrote and presented
for Albert Jacquez, and it was translated from the Spanish to the English by
Stephen Holland-Wempe.
Albert
Jacquez
La
vida es una corta palabra.
Sorprende
lo efímero
de
su sonido en los labios.
Hombre
de familia,
de
valores claros,
con
la justica para la comunidad
tatuada
en la frente.
Visionario,
consejero y estratega.
Amigo
de muchos,
guía
de generaciones,
de
líderes que vendrán.
Su
contagiosa sonrisa
aún
en los corredores vibra.
Amables
palabras y firmeza
al
unísono brotan de su
corazón.
Imágenes
de la juventud
en
sus manos.
Maestro
de mil palabras
para
la eternidad.
Unidos
por una meta:
el
desarrollo, la inclusión,
la
libertad.
Ante
todo, el derecho
a
ser felices.
Que
viva por siempre
en
los corazones,
líder
de líderes,
celebrado
esta noche,
Albert
Jacquez
descanse
en paz.
Albert Jacquez
Life is a short word.
The ephemeral is surprising,
its sound protruding from lips.
Family man
of clear-cut values
for community justice
tattooed on his forehead
Visionary, advisor and strategist
Friend of many,
generational guide
of leaders to come,
his contagious smile,
even in the corridors, pulsates.
Welcoming words and conviction
in unison
gush from his heart.
Images of the youth
in his hands
Teacher of a thousand words
for eternity
Unidos for a goal:
development, inclusion,
freedom
Above all, the right
to be happy
Let him live forever
in our hearts.
Celebrated tonight,
leader of leaders,
Albert Jacquez,
rest
in peace.
El Paso, Texas no
se hizo esperar. We virtually joined independent journalist Abel Rodríguez along with Educator,
Santera, and Poet, Nancy Lorenza Green, who guided us to the site where many
people lost their lives. Nancy performed
for this occasion “A Sense of Freedom”. El Paso Strong! The community of El Paso has historically
demonstrated to be a community of resilience and creativity. Today, the community continues to be strong
despite the challenges and atrocities that happen daily on and along the border
region impacting thousands of people on both sides.
We continued our events back to Washington, DC honoring
the lives of the children held in custody. Local community artist Frida Larios
explored the concept of the cacao tree along with a ribbon interactive writing
activity for the whole audience that transformed in participatory offerings.
We ended the afternoon with an exquisite reception
where tamales, chocolate and pan de muerto where served para todos los presentes. The wonderful audience, along with UnidosUS
and the Smithsonian Latino Center, brought forth the Day of the Dead
Celebration 2019. Inspired by the past
and with our current times, we made history together. ¡Hasta el Día de Muertos 2020!
