Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2 CafĂŠ Cultura Community Speaks Project #29 Telling Our Stories Participants
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2 Copyright Š 2016 by Telling Our Stories Participants All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
To the participants in our Poetry/Spoken Word club. Remember: You have the power to be great! Keep using your voice to make the world a better place. #CafeCultura #XpressYourself #TellingOurStories
Acknowledgments Thank you to Mi Casa staff for working with us to create a space for your youth to find their voice. Special thank you to the awesome participants in our club for pushing yourselves to become powerful. Remember: “It is our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!�
Foreword It was a privilege for Café Cultura to continue our partnership with Mi Casa Neighborhood Center at Lake as we coordinated the Voices club. We enjoyed hearing what middle schoolers in West Denver think about themselves and their future, all through our “Telling Our Stories” curriculum. They shared incredible insight and creativity as they analyzed and wrote spoken word poetry. This book gives you a sense of their thoughts and potential. Enjoy and share their words! For those who do not know about our organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth development organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than ten years. After the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado, we accepted responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression often not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movement connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. We use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to as “American Indian” or “Native American.” Café Cultura hosts one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and youth. We also conduct highly engaging and culturally relevant spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. Café Cultura partners with select organizations and
schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. For more information about our open mic events, work-shops, youth leadership program, and other programs: info@cafecultura.org 720-394-6589 www.cafecultura.org
Table of Contents Warrior by Xavier...................................................................................1 Love by Ashley .......................................................................................2 Together by Nicolas...............................................................................4 Fighting for Culture by Giselle.............................................................6 Staying Strong by Amelya .....................................................................7 Pushing Forward by Isaac .....................................................................8 Love and Fun by Stephanie ..................................................................9 I Come From by Nahomy ................................................................. 10 Good Times by Santangelo ............................................................... 11 Father Love by Pablo ......................................................................... 12 Makes Me Special by Carmen............................................................ 13 Struggle and Smile by Taylor ............................................................. 14 Within Me by Alena ............................................................................ 15 Power of a Woman by Jessica ........................................................... 17 Memories and Dreams by Neveah ................................................... 18 Time by Xavier .................................................................................... 19 Walking with a Limp by Nicolas ....................................................... 20
Warrior by Xavier I will always remember my great grandpa because he was always told me to never give up. He was happy all the time. When I look at his pictures, I see a warrior I hope to be.
2
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Love by Ashley I am the red, hot, and spicy chile Colorado my grandma makes with meat, potatoes, chile, and love. The smell reminds me of home and my Mexican culture. I will always remember how it always brings my family together to have good memories. When I eat it, it makes me feel loved. I am the old house that has been passed on for many years. I come from a hot desert like place surrounded by many animals and loving family. I will always remember the tamales my auntie makes with love. The smell of my auntie’s tamales filled with love and warmth welcomes me to Mexico. I am the daughter of a unique and wonderful woman. She crossed the border with 3 siblings when she was 6 years old. Her hands are soft like a clouds yet never gives up,
Telling Our Stories Participants
even in the hardest times. She may fall but always gets back up.
3
4
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Together by Nicolas I come from the tortas that my dad makes with jamon, tomatoes, frijoles, mayonesa, and hard work. They taste like happiness and makes me feel like me. I will always remember eating them with my family as they bring us together. I come from Matamoros, Mexico, a place with my family and friends. It has been 3 years since I visited the house that I helped my dad build. When I think of the fields of cana and flores, I feel excited. It is a reminder of fun times I spent with family and friends. I come from the green, white, and red flag that represents Mexico and my family. The eagle shows that we are powerful. It can see people doing good things. I will always remember my friends when I look at the flag.
Telling Our Stories Participants
I will always remember la Virgin de Guadalupe. She shows her heart and desire for peace. Rays of sunshine come from her life, as she is surrounded by flowers and her love for everybody. Her smile tells us she wants us to love.
5
6
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Fighting for Culture by Giselle I am Native American. My people have fought for their rights and they are still fighting. My family joins in trying to keep the culture alive and bright in our home and in our lives by giving support.
Telling Our Stories Participants
Staying Strong by Amelya I will always remember my dad, the way he held me so tightly when he got to hold me for the first time. His eyes twinkles like stars when he sees my mom. I admire the way he stays so strong when his past tries to bring him down. “Little monkey,” he says, “stay strong through it all. Do not get caught up like I did.” Remembering his words is what keeps me going. I am a movement for rights, speaking up for those who do not feel their voice.
7
8
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Pushing Forward by Isaac Taking your first steps can be difficult. You are trying to move but it appears you cannot. Pushing a little harder, you remove barriers that try to distract you, that try to influence you, that push you around and make you trip. You push the barriers away and climb the hill to reach your goals. You walk a little further to happiness.
Telling Our Stories Participants
Love and Fun by Stephanie I will never forget la Virgin de Guadalupe because she is our beautiful mother. She resolves problems because she loves us. I love you. I am a soccer ball being passed person to person, representing my family playing together. I will always remember the times we had fun with each other. Playing soccer reminds me that podemos compartir un tiempo en nuestra vida.
9
10
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
I Come From by Nahomy I come from a father who represents my family in a good way. He brings hope to us. He came a long way to Denver. I will always remember how he makes me feel happy whenever he kisses me. Vengo de Honduras, un lugar pobre, pero lleno de cultura y esperanza. Siempre recuerdo que jugaba con mis mejores amigas. I come from the tamales my grandma and my tia make for the family. They work hard to wrap them in banana leaves. Huele rico cuando entro en la casa. Me recuerdan de mi cultura.
Telling Our Stories Participants
Good Times by Santangelo I am the mutton in the Navajo tacos that brings my family together. The meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese taste good with greasy fry bread. It reminds me and my brother of all the good times we had.
11
12
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Father Love by Pablo I come from a father who carries our love all the time, like we are the wind and he is the sky. We are the angels and he is our dad. We love you, even when we die. He taught me to speak with love. When he hugs me, I feel excited and pumped up. Even though he is short, he is still my dad. He works twice as hard, day after day. He cooks for us to have a house and a bigger future.
Telling Our Stories Participants
Makes Me Special by Carmen I come from a place I visit every winter break in Mexico. I am surrounded by plants and family. I have a good times with my cousins and grandparents. When I see them, my face lights up. I am a girl from red and green tamales. I will always love their smell. The taste brings a smile to my face. I eat them in Mexico with my family. They make me feel special They respect me. My family loves them. I come from a mother who makes me feel special. She always gives me love through her hugs and words. The respect she shows others makes me follow that path.
13
14
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Struggle and Smile by Taylor I wish I had a dime for every time I have been stared down for being on the wrong side of town. The rich man I would be if I had those kinds of chips on me. I thought this land was for the free. I use to think the statue of liberty meant freedom, not working day and night trying to fight for something that is not there. I will always remember my father’s story of how he was treated poorly and had little. As he crossed the border, he smiled through the tears of despair leaving all he cared about behind for a better life. He raises 3 children, smiling through the pain of labor and agony to put something to eat on the table.
Telling Our Stories Participants
Within Me by Alena I am the waves of the ocean in Mexico. Being there feels like mi tia is with me. When I think of riding my horse with the air on my face, I can see my aunt in the breeze. I will never forget when we made that special video. I want to make more memories with her so we can have more fun and be happier. If only I could bring my auntie back to make my dad feel better... I will never forget the strong survivor who is my mom. She beat cancer three times so she could live for her children. She pushes me in school to improve my grades. I come from a cake made by mi tia. It smells like Christmas morning and mi mama’s hair. It is colorful so we remember my other tia. We hear stories about her and how she died. I feel strong thinking of struggle.
15
16
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
I will never forget when my auntie use her to pray like the sun was around her. I want my aunt’s soul to be in the stars. When I sit here, I feel like my aunt is within me!
Telling Our Stories Participants
Power of a Woman by Jessica I come from a mother who protects my brother and sisters. I will never forget her because she is the most lovable person there can ever be on earth. I will always remember you mommy. She always tells me to never give up. I love you for that mommy. I am a girl who loves her short mom with beautiful eyes. I will always remember the one special rosary my mom gave me. I think it is special because it is blessed like me. It is the most special thing. I will cherish it forever. I will never forget the Virgin Mary because she is a really pretty woman. The Lady of Guadalupe holds a rose representing her happiness. I am most proud of her because she protects us. She protects us from evil and the devil. She does not let us take bad steps to drugs or anything. She believes in us.
17
18
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Memories and Dreams by Neveah I come from a place filled with palm trees and memories. California is the soft sand on a sunny beach connecting me to family members who love me and have my back every time. My love for family feels like I belong where I need to be. I will never forget that I have a perfect mom who is a strong survivor. It is unfair that I cannot see my dad. I feel angry when people get mad. I look in the mirror and see a little girl who becomes a beautiful woman in this world. In my dreams, I imagine that I can be what I want to be. If I could change one thing, it would be for the world to be a better place and to never end.
Telling Our Stories Participants
Time by Xavier I will always remember my Grandpa. I wish there was a chance I could go back in time to spend more moments with him. When I sing his song, I get butterflies in my stomach. When I think of him, I see memories of our time together.
19
20
Mi Casa @ Lake Speaks! Vol. 2
Walking with a Limp by Nicolas The breaking of glass brings difficulty as a car crashes into our vehicle while I am getting out. I fall to the ground, feeling like I’m going to die. My mom helped me stay awake and have heart, even when I was sleepy. I had people help me get better and back on my feet. It took my family’s support in my life. Now, I walk with a prosthetic leg above my knee. Even though I limp, I keep pushing toward my future. I do not let people talk stuff about me because I am comfortable how and who I am. I walk with confidence so I can reach my destination in life: high school graduation, college, and success.