ADAC DREAM Act Week of Action: Bread and Roses

DREAM Act Week of Action: First Event

 

Bread and Roses

Host: Arizona DREAM Act Coalition Central Valley DREAM Team

When I have to drop out of law school, when I have to look at my mom and wonder when she will be able to rest her feet, when I sleep 4 hour nights because my week is filled with work and meetings I know what keeps me going.  It is the creativity, the dedication, the passion, the solidarity, the love that DREAM Act activists have.  I am proud to call you all my closest friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Central Valley DREAM Team managed to secure a location literary a few days before the event.  I think it was meant to happen.  There is no other location I know of that compliments the fusion of the arts, activism, and solidarity as well as Tonatierra.  Inside there was art work:  the paintings by Enuf, the handmade jewelry of Silvia, the murals on the walls.  There was, of course, a lot of food.  And it was good food:  rice, beans, enchiladas, pan dulce!  I wanted to cry.

Tomas Karmelo, DeDee, Myrlin Hepworth and Grupo Frijolito were among the performers that energized and wowed the crowd outside.  All of them sweat pure talent and passion that waters the earth and sends chills up your spine.  Towards the end, “3 Minutes of Your Time” was shown and again people were crying.  Then a new member of the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition took the stage, the M.C. of the night, Tania M.

“I was daddy’s little girl, he was my everything, and at the snap of a finger he was ripped out of my hands,” Tania began.  Tania actually conveyed the story of Jessica, her best friend, who could not be there to share her story, and Tania did great!  Her story captivated, her eloquence was admirable.  Tania has that courage that Marina has.  The courage to stand up for others because they know the struggle of their friends is their struggle too.

“Change in America comes when everyday people like you and me unite on a cause, raise our voices and stand up for what we believe in!”  said Tania.  She mentioned the night was for the girl who wanted to become a doctor, the boy who is a straight A student, the high school student that wants to be a teacher.  But the night was also for you Tania.  It was for the Central Valley DREAM Team, the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition, the performers, and all those in attendance.

The Central Valley DREAM Team showed us the beauty in the beat, the rhythm of our movement.  They reminded us of the need to keep drumming.  So keep singing of freedom, keep grooving everyone, remember there are things we must continue to do before the dawn.

For pictures see “Pictures”

For more events see “Events coming UP”