Author Archives: rociopulido

Everything has a Solution, Except for Death

Jose Lopez, LULAC of IL State Director, myself and Jesus Payan chatting about improving community outreach via social media and unified webpage for LULAC of IL.

Jose Lopez, LULAC of IL State Director, myself and Jesus Payan chatting about improving community outreach via social media and unified webpage for LULAC of IL.

Narratives and storytelling has been a long standing tradition in the Latina/o community. It is often in that way in which we learn; by hearing stories from the elders in our families or communities telling us of our long standing traditions from our ancestors before us, events that have occurred when the thought of us was not even conceived, still in our mother’s womb or too young to remember. I grew up with story telling and learned the importance of narratives. To my family and to our community, narratives gave a platform to the unheard. But throughout the existence of our community, we have been shamed and conditioned into believing that we should not speak up for what we believe in due to fear or retaliation of what the majority in the United States could do to us. I’ve slowly seen this fear stripped away by the courageous acts of many in the Latin@ community in the U.S. From Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta forming the United Farm Workers in California to protest the working conditions of the fruit and vegetable pickers in the fields, to young immigrants proclaiming that they are undocumented and unafraid and recently, to the undocumented trans activist Jennicet Gutierrez interrupting President Obama during a pride event at the White House, crying out: “President Obama, release all LGBTQ immigrants from detention and stop all deportations”, the Latin@ community has had enough. Even in the most difficult of times, I don’t believe we have ever been quiet. We simply have never been heard. And now, finally, people are listening.

Having the opportunity to attend the 86th Annual LULAC National Convention in Salt Lake City in early July, reminds me of the several facets of racism, discrimination, prejudice and systematic inequality my community has faced and continues to face to this day. It is always empowering for me to go into a room full of Latin@s that are fighting everyday, across the country, to help dispel the injustices that are occurring. It is in these spaces that we are allowed to come together, meet new people, formulate new strategies and ideas for the betterment of community at a local or national level.

Often times, in social justice work, it can feel lonely or that no matter what you do or how hard you work, it’s never going to end and it’s never going to be enough. During these times, I am reminded of a saying my mom always tells me: todo tiene solucion, menos la muerte. Everything has a solution, except for death. While at times, the work I am doing may seem insignificant to some or not enough, I know that I, along with so many other’s, are doing what we can with what we have. Attending the LULAC National Convention was a thrilling reminder for me that the work that I am doing in my community does matter. Although some days are not easy, better days will come. There’s a long road ahead and so much work to be done. It’s scary to think of what lays ahead, but I am ready to do whatever it takes to create a more just community for my people and our future generations.

“Mi’ja, We’re Going to Put You to Work.”

To graduating from Valpo and settling back into my hometown of Aurora, Illinois – this past month has been a whirl-wind and I’ve been trying my best to get used to my post-grad life and my fellowship with the League of United Latin American Citizens in the local council in Aurora, Illinois. The president of the local council and my supervisor and mentor, Art Velasquez, who, despite being 80 years old, continues to be a fearless leader and champion for the rights of the Latino community in Aurora. Since first meeting and getting to know each other Art told me “mi’ja, we’re going to put you to work” [mi’ja roughly translates to ‘my daughter’ and is used as a term of endearment in the Latina/o community]. In getting to know his story and the various forms of discrimination and barriers he has faced and overcome, Art has mentored and inspired me to believe in the work that I want to accomplish in our community and beyond. At times, it can feel like the world is crashing down and there is absolutely nothing that I can do to make my community better. Art reminds me that it’s okay to have bad days but that better days will come, if you keep your head up and keep fighting. Art always says, “la lucha sigue” [the fight continues].

Jesus and I at the LULAC of Illinois State Convention in Little Village, Chicago, IL.

Jesus and I at the LULAC of Illinois State Convention in Little Village, Chicago, IL.

Every day is different and brings something new, which I love. I have met with several different agencies in the area such as the Quad County Urban League, Family Focus, various local politicians and school board members and superintendents. I have had the opportunity to attend the LULAC State Convention in Chicago and meet up with my good friend and CAPS Fellow, Jesus Payan, who is also working with LULAC for the summer. It was great to see a familiar face and work with an amazing friend in a professional setting. We both spoke of how our experiences working with the Office of Multicultural Programs at Valpo and serving as executive board members for LIVE (Latinos in Valparaiso for Excellence) has greatly prepared us for our roles in working for LULAC. Not only that, Jesus and I had the opportunity to attend the Illinois School Board Meeting in Oswego, Illinois on June 17th, where “regressive proration” was discussed. “Regressive proration” occurs when money is cut from low-income school districts and students rather than those with less low-income students. Education is a key focus for LULAC and the Latina/o community and it was imperative we attend and stress how the practice of “regressive proration” is affecting Illinois students, particularly those of African-American and Latina/o descent.

The Illinois School Board Meeting at Oswego East High School in Oswego, IL.

The Illinois School Board Meeting at Oswego East High School in Oswego, IL.

Next week, I will begin working with West Aurora School District 129 in helping organize their annual “Parent University.” Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to facilitate a workshop for parents of high school students on different resources that are available to them in the district and community, discuss higher education and/or financial aid.

I am excited to continue my work with LULAC this summer! I might have the possibility of traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah for the LULAC National Convention, which I know Jesus is going to attend. Hopefully, everything works out and I am able to go!

Coming back to Aurora has made me realize that I am privileged in so many ways. Unlike my parents and many in my community, I am a U.S. citizen and a college graduate and I am afforded the many privileges and rights that come with it. I know that there is a lot expected out of me because of that and that’s okay. The pressure is on and I only hope that I can deliver and help my community to the best of my abilities.