Latinx Heritage Celebration
Throughout the year, Brightworks will be holding monthly school-day events that celebrate the communities and heritages represented in our student population. This Friday, we will spend the day celebrating Latinx heritage with speakers, food, and activities that explore this vibrant community!
On our First Annual Latinx Heritage Celebration Day will be a school-wide immersive day of learning, expression and celebration.
As a learning community we recognize that our efforts and responses do fall short in representing the complexities and brilliancies of the vast Latinx community, yet in full humility, we strive and are committed to beginning this necessary and important “heart” work.
Initially a week-long commemoration of the independence of Central American countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras) on September 15th, and later the independence of Mexico on September 16th from Spain, Latinx Heritage Celebration month has come to recognize and honor all Latin countries in the Americas.
In honor of Latinx Heritage Celebration month, we invite our BWX students to join us for a truly unique fun-filled day of alimentos, pláticas y bailes.
Helping us honor and celebrate the Latinx community:
Josiah Luis Alderete
Josiah Luis Alderete is a full blooded Pocho, Spanglish speaking poeta who has been an active part of la Area Bahia’s spoken word scene for over twenty years. He was a founding member of outspoken word group “The Molotov Mouths” and is the curator and host of the long running monthly Chicano/Latinx reading series Speaking Axolotl which happens the 3rd Thursday of every month in el Zoom mundo. Josiah’s book of poems, Baby Axolotls y Old Pochos is being released this year from Black Freighter Press.
Alicia Villanueva
Alicia Villanueva was born in the city of Mazatlan, located in the Northeastern part of the Mexican republic and in the state of Sinaloa. She has been stuffing tamales since she was a kid, with her mami and her abuelita.
Alicia began working for her dream as early as 2001, when, arriving in this “beautiful and blessed country” she was impressed to find the many cultures represented in everyday life. Immediately, Alicia thought of tamales as a way to connect her story to those of the people around her, and as a way to potentially make a living for her family. Alicia began selling tamales door to door, lovingly making up to 500 tamales in a single week. But even though it felt like a lot, it was barely enough to cover the bills. Now, Alicia makes over 4,500 tamales a week!
At home, Alicia and her husband Pedro, her three children; Pedro Jr., Pablo, and Grecia make tamales for the holidays and special occasions. Making tamales together means spending time with friends and family, sharing stories, and carrying on traditions.
When you eat “one of our tamales, we want you to feel like a part of our family.” says Alicia. Alicia has worked hard to get to the point where she can share these tamales with you, and we hope that you taste not only the flavor but also the love in every bite.
Aida Salazar
Aida Salazar is an award-winning author, arts activist, and translator whose writings for adults and children explore issues of identity and social justice. She is the author of the critically acclaimed middle grade verse novels, THE MOON WITHIN (International Latino Book Award Winner) and LAND OF THE CRANES (Américas Award, California Library Association Beatty Award, Northern CA Book Award, NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, Jane Addams Peace Honor, International Latino Book Award Honor).
Her most recent novel A SEED IN THE SUN releases on Oct. 25, 2022. Her other works include the picture book anthology, IN THE SPIRIT OF A DREAM: 13 Stories of Immigrants of Color; and the forthcoming bio picture book JOVITA WORE PANTS: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter (Spring, 2023) and the anthology CALLING THE MOON: Period Stories by BIPOC Authors (Spring, 2023).
Aida is a founding member of LAS MUSAS - a Latinx kidlit author collective. Her story, By the Light of the Moon, was adapted into a ballet production by the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance and is the first Xicana-themed ballet in history. She lives with her family of artists in a teal house in Oakland, CA.
Itzel Lara
Hey! My name is Itzel, I’m a choreo instructor and owner of The Cave Dance studio located in Fremont. I grew up around Latine social dances my whole life but didn’t actively pursue dance until 6 years ago. During that time I’ve choreographed for several performances, dance festivals, and quinceañeras. Now I currently explore several styles of dance, specifically gravitating towards street dance styles and occasionally teach cumbia workshops, and heels choreographies at the studio. Moreover, I continue to participate in the street dance community, by hosting events and creating space for other street dance practitioners at The Cave.
We are beyond thankful to have such amazing and charismatic individuals to provide us with energy, enlightenment, and a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beauty and genius of the Latinx community.
Agenda for the day
10:30 AM - Aida Salazar - Lower School Presentation
10:30 AM - Josiah Luis Alderete - Upper School Presentation
12:00 PM - Almuerzo: provided by Alicia's Tamales Los Mayas
01:00 PM - Itzel Lara - Merengue y Cumbia Dance Workshop (Session A)
01:00 PM - Alicia Villanueva - Tamale making Workshop + Presentation
02:00 PM - Itzel Lara - Merengue y Cumbia Dance Workshop (Session B)
To find ways to support both efforts and experiences, please contact either: michlene@sfbrightworks.org or sergio@sfbrightworks.org
