WHY WE RALLY AND WHY WE PROTEST

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In early February and across the nation we witnessed almost spontaneous demonstrations against the presidency of Donald Trump, demonstrations against his cabinet, demonstrations against Elon Musk-D.O.G.E. and demonstrations against his executive orders.

Presidential executive orders that have given I.C.E. authority in perpetuating the massive deportations of immigrants in our communities, have now ignited a new generation of young community activists to take control of their own narratives. The bigotry and the racist rhetoric used to describe these communities is nothing new to the American Experience.

If American history has taught us anything, it is that these attacks on immigrants have been continuous throughout the centuries, throughout the decades and throughout the various generations that have diversified our country, Chinese, Japanese, Italians, Irish, Slavs, Germans, and Africans to name a few. But what we are seeing today are attacks formulated through presidential powers shrouded in Foreign Policy, the incorporation of extending policing powers to local law enforcement agencies, the creation of a police state and the rise of political extremism.

So going back to some of the demonstrations in early February which occurred in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina and Texas, one can only assume that we are not alone in our quest for Immigrant Rights and Justice. Did you hear about the 16 year old high school student from San Antonio that was able to mobilize a Student Walkout with 1,000 students and protest at the very steps of City Hall in solidarity with Immigrants. Her story alone should leave you feeling empowered and inspired. I'll tell you something, she is my hero, and I applauded her dedication. For too long immigrants, Latinos, Chicanos, Mexicans, and Mexican Americans have been demonized by some of our political leaders, we have been demonized by fanatics in this country, we have been shamed on the internet, on various conservative platforms, at speeches, on alt-right forums and now this.

We have been called, freeloaders to government assistance, gangsters, criminals, lazy, dirty drug dealers, cholos, killers, murderers, illegals, illegals on the very earth in which we are culturally and historically connected with by indigenous roots and Mestizo blood.

But we are more than that, we are hijos and mijos, sons and daughters of immigrants, Spanglish speakers, latin lovers, brothers, sisters, dancers, artist, poets, workers, veterans, students, teachers, neighbors, soldiers, activists, revolutionaries, community organizers, husbands, fathers, grandfathers, mothers, esposas, abuelas, y tios y tias, we are doctors, lawyers, farmers, ol the farmers, we are preachers, historians, writers world travelers, and daydreamers. We are thinkers and shapeshifters. We are men and women, we are straight, and we are gay, we are drama queens and drag queens, we come in many colors, and we love fully and completely, but most importantly, we are The People.

Howard Zinn said, “You can’t be neutral on a moving train,” which has been my favorite metaphorical expression. Meaning that in a situation where significant change is happening, you cannot simply remain passive or take a neutral stance; you must actively choose a side or position to influence the outcome. That is where we find ourselves, today, tomorrow, and the day after. Take control of the narrative, practice your 1st Amendment rights, and protest peacefully.