Friday, April 6, 2007
An Obituary by Christina Marie Sabio Hilo, M.E.Ch.A. de Cornell '07 Alumn.
An Obituary by Christina Marie Sabio Hilo, M.E.Ch.A. de Cornell '07 Alumn.
Rest In Peace John “Rocky” Quesenberry
23 years old
Born: January 26, 1984
Died: February 3, 2007
Another young Chicano killed by a drive-by bullet, but he was more than that. He was a brother, cousin, son, and friend to many. He was a hard-working auto mechanic, who never missed a day of work. He was the only one out of his 5 brothers and sister not to be affiliated with gangs.
On July 3, he was shot in the neck in a drive-by shooting, and for seven months he was fighting for his life at Kaiser Sunset in Los Angeles. However, he was not alone for those seven months. Every day of those seven months, his mother and one of his brothers would be there to keep him company. John’s mother and brother were always the first to enter ICU during visiting hours. Although he was paralyzed from the neck down with a tube running through his throat, he had such a positive aura around him, and the power of family was overwhelming. On the night he passed away, everyone in ICU was crying for him- his family, friends, relatives, even the nurses, and the hospital staff.
RIP John “Rocky” Quesenberry
Rest In Peace John “Rocky” Quesenberry
23 years old
Born: January 26, 1984
Died: February 3, 2007
Another young Chicano killed by a drive-by bullet, but he was more than that. He was a brother, cousin, son, and friend to many. He was a hard-working auto mechanic, who never missed a day of work. He was the only one out of his 5 brothers and sister not to be affiliated with gangs.
On July 3, he was shot in the neck in a drive-by shooting, and for seven months he was fighting for his life at Kaiser Sunset in Los Angeles. However, he was not alone for those seven months. Every day of those seven months, his mother and one of his brothers would be there to keep him company. John’s mother and brother were always the first to enter ICU during visiting hours. Although he was paralyzed from the neck down with a tube running through his throat, he had such a positive aura around him, and the power of family was overwhelming. On the night he passed away, everyone in ICU was crying for him- his family, friends, relatives, even the nurses, and the hospital staff.
RIP John “Rocky” Quesenberry
Org. Report Mezcla de Wellesley by Nancy Gonzalez, Mezcla de Wellesley
Org. Report Mezcla de Wellesley by Nancy Gonzalez, Mezcla de Wellesley
Pressing On
Two years ago, Mezcla de Wellesley began a campaign to get a permanent space for our organization in order for fellowship, events, and regular meetings to take place. Unfortunately our mission was unsuccessful. Wellesley argued that they were not going to construct any new buildings and were not going to make space for any more groups because that would only separate the students. Another reason Wellesley gave was that the new building constructed on campus, the Lulu Wang Campus Center, was purposely built to encourage multiculturalism and for everyone on campus to have a place to meet.
Mezcla did have a permanent space at one point. In 1973 Mezcla requested a meeting space and in 1975, Gray House, was given. The students shared the house with the Roman Catholic and Jewish groups on campus. After the Roman Catholic group changed location, the space was shared with an Asian group. Based on the archives, Mezcla remained in the house until 1982. Regrettably there is no information on why the space was lost.
The women from Mezcla, back in 1973, felt alienated from the predominantly white student and faculty population. They needed space where their community could feel comfortable to congregate. The importance and necessity of this community is visible by their persistence. In the 1970s, conflicts and financial difficulties arose; however, these women pressed on. They would continue to host dinners and events, which were always supported by the attendance of many.
If Wellesley College in the 1970s was not ready to address diversity and create a community where everyone felt comfortable, I believe it is time. Although I give credit to Wellesley for being proactive about bridging gaps and trying to build a stronger community, there remains more work to be done. In a perfect world people from various backgrounds and communities should be able to get along without ignoring each other’s differences. Lamentably we live in a far-from-perfect world and each community needs to strengthen itself to give back to others. It’s granted that a community does not necessarily need a permanent space to be created, but the space is necessary to sustain and strengthen it.
Although we were not able to get our own space, we continue to work hard at maintaining a sense of community for our members and we are advocating for a multicultural center. Space is needed where issues of race, sexuality, class, and culture can be freely discussed and where minorities can be easily heard. We have high hopes that in the future there will be a Latina center or a multicultural center that will foster a better sense of community than what presently exists for the people of color and minorities on Wellesley's campus.
Pressing On
Two years ago, Mezcla de Wellesley began a campaign to get a permanent space for our organization in order for fellowship, events, and regular meetings to take place. Unfortunately our mission was unsuccessful. Wellesley argued that they were not going to construct any new buildings and were not going to make space for any more groups because that would only separate the students. Another reason Wellesley gave was that the new building constructed on campus, the Lulu Wang Campus Center, was purposely built to encourage multiculturalism and for everyone on campus to have a place to meet.
Mezcla did have a permanent space at one point. In 1973 Mezcla requested a meeting space and in 1975, Gray House, was given. The students shared the house with the Roman Catholic and Jewish groups on campus. After the Roman Catholic group changed location, the space was shared with an Asian group. Based on the archives, Mezcla remained in the house until 1982. Regrettably there is no information on why the space was lost.
The women from Mezcla, back in 1973, felt alienated from the predominantly white student and faculty population. They needed space where their community could feel comfortable to congregate. The importance and necessity of this community is visible by their persistence. In the 1970s, conflicts and financial difficulties arose; however, these women pressed on. They would continue to host dinners and events, which were always supported by the attendance of many.
If Wellesley College in the 1970s was not ready to address diversity and create a community where everyone felt comfortable, I believe it is time. Although I give credit to Wellesley for being proactive about bridging gaps and trying to build a stronger community, there remains more work to be done. In a perfect world people from various backgrounds and communities should be able to get along without ignoring each other’s differences. Lamentably we live in a far-from-perfect world and each community needs to strengthen itself to give back to others. It’s granted that a community does not necessarily need a permanent space to be created, but the space is necessary to sustain and strengthen it.
Although we were not able to get our own space, we continue to work hard at maintaining a sense of community for our members and we are advocating for a multicultural center. Space is needed where issues of race, sexuality, class, and culture can be freely discussed and where minorities can be easily heard. We have high hopes that in the future there will be a Latina center or a multicultural center that will foster a better sense of community than what presently exists for the people of color and minorities on Wellesley's campus.
Org. Report LUChA de MIT by Nancy Díaz, LUChA President, MIT
Org. Report LUChA de MIT by Nancy Díaz, LUChA President, MIT
In the Fall of 2006, La Unión Chicana por Aztlán began Cena a las Seis, an event that we co-hosted with the Association of Puerto Rican students and that we hope will continue on for many years to come during MIT’s Family Weekend. We began the night with authentic Puerto Rican and Mexican dishes, followed by performances by the MIT Mariachi Internacional del Tecnológico, the Tango Club, Casino Rueda, and Dance Troupe. Overall, we felt that the 1st Annual Cena a las Seis was a great success because we were able to bring together over 150 students and family members, and had the opportunity to introduce our families to the Latino community at MIT.
We kicked off the Spring semester with our first general body meeting this past Friday. Our plans for this semester include the ECCSF Conference at Yale University, the 11th Annual Alumni Symposium, a Cinco de Mayo barbeque and softball game, and Chicano Graduation. We are looking forward to networking with other ECCSF schools at the upcoming ECCSF Conference at Yale!
¡Cuidense!
Nancy Díaz
LUChA President
In the Fall of 2006, La Unión Chicana por Aztlán began Cena a las Seis, an event that we co-hosted with the Association of Puerto Rican students and that we hope will continue on for many years to come during MIT’s Family Weekend. We began the night with authentic Puerto Rican and Mexican dishes, followed by performances by the MIT Mariachi Internacional del Tecnológico, the Tango Club, Casino Rueda, and Dance Troupe. Overall, we felt that the 1st Annual Cena a las Seis was a great success because we were able to bring together over 150 students and family members, and had the opportunity to introduce our families to the Latino community at MIT.
We kicked off the Spring semester with our first general body meeting this past Friday. Our plans for this semester include the ECCSF Conference at Yale University, the 11th Annual Alumni Symposium, a Cinco de Mayo barbeque and softball game, and Chicano Graduation. We are looking forward to networking with other ECCSF schools at the upcoming ECCSF Conference at Yale!
¡Cuidense!
Nancy Díaz
LUChA President
Org. Report M.E.Ch.A de Brown by Rocío Bravo, M.E.Ch.A de Brown
Org. Report M.E.Ch.A de Brown by Rocío Bravo, M.E.Ch.A de Brown
The primary goals for M.E.Ch.A de Brown this school year have been to educate others about the Chicano experience in the United States, the issues and problems we face in this country, as well as the history of M.E.Ch.A and its current significance. As an active cultural and political group, we have tried to involve more students and create a greater impact in the setting around us.
After the Fall Conference at Columbia in October, we celebrated el Día de los Muertos by showing a documentary about the Bracero program. We invited a guest speaker to present more information on the Bracero program and the exploitation of workers, and remembering three Braceros, who were family members of Brown students, with an altar. Afterward, we enjoyed delicious taquitos, enchiladas, flautas, pan dulce and chocolate calientito. We also had a MEChA potluck in hope of encouraging more students to join the organization and learn about our role at Brown.
This semester we have kicked off the new year with many plans and goals to strengthen the unity in the Hispanic community at Brown and become more involved with the Hispanic community off campus. One of our main focuses is to hold multiple registration drives in the Latino communities of Providence. We are excited to say that our first drive will be held February 24th. In addition, we have begun planning Semana Chicana, which will be held in April during Latino History Month and Border Commemoration Day in May.
The primary goals for M.E.Ch.A de Brown this school year have been to educate others about the Chicano experience in the United States, the issues and problems we face in this country, as well as the history of M.E.Ch.A and its current significance. As an active cultural and political group, we have tried to involve more students and create a greater impact in the setting around us.
After the Fall Conference at Columbia in October, we celebrated el Día de los Muertos by showing a documentary about the Bracero program. We invited a guest speaker to present more information on the Bracero program and the exploitation of workers, and remembering three Braceros, who were family members of Brown students, with an altar. Afterward, we enjoyed delicious taquitos, enchiladas, flautas, pan dulce and chocolate calientito. We also had a MEChA potluck in hope of encouraging more students to join the organization and learn about our role at Brown.
This semester we have kicked off the new year with many plans and goals to strengthen the unity in the Hispanic community at Brown and become more involved with the Hispanic community off campus. One of our main focuses is to hold multiple registration drives in the Latino communities of Providence. We are excited to say that our first drive will be held February 24th. In addition, we have begun planning Semana Chicana, which will be held in April during Latino History Month and Border Commemoration Day in May.
Org. Report Chicano Caucus by Oscar Castro, Chicano Caucus, Princeton '09
Org. Report Chicano Caucus by Oscar Castro, Chicano Caucus, Princeton '09
Princeton’s Chicano Caucus has been involved in many on-campus
activities and community outreach programs throughout the past school
year. Our fall activities include a back to school “Diez y Seis” party,
a joint “Black and Brown” barbecue with the Black Student Union to
promote interaction and communication between our groups, a Welcome
Dinner to provide an opportunity for our new freshman members to meet
other Caucus members and to learn what our group is about, a fall break
barbecue for our members who were not able to return home, and our
traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Caucus has also worked to increase
discussion on important issues in Mexico at Princeton by holding
speaking engagements with the Director of a Crisis Center for the women
of the Maquiladora factories in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. We were also able
to bring Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s political advisor, Manuel Camacho
Solis, to speak about the results and aftermath of Mexico’s most recent
presidential election.
Our tentative spring activities, most of them annual, include hosting an
informative panel for Californian high school students from the Parlier
Ivy League Project, our Easter Egg Hunt celebration for local Latino
children and their families, a campus Latino Worker’s Appreciation
party, our Pre-Frosh weekend study break, and the Chicano Graduation
ceremony to show our appreciation for our graduating seniors and their
families.
A lot of our efforts this school year have also been devoted to the
formation and expansion of the Latino Coalition, a group comprised of
other undergraduate Latino organizations at Princeton and the newly
formed Latino Graduate Student Association. The Coalition aims to
achieve greater recognition for the Latino community on campus, gain a
social, administrative, and support facility for our community, initiate
a Chicano/Latino studies program, and increase the number of Latino
faculty and staff on our campus.
Princeton’s Chicano Caucus has been involved in many on-campus
activities and community outreach programs throughout the past school
year. Our fall activities include a back to school “Diez y Seis” party,
a joint “Black and Brown” barbecue with the Black Student Union to
promote interaction and communication between our groups, a Welcome
Dinner to provide an opportunity for our new freshman members to meet
other Caucus members and to learn what our group is about, a fall break
barbecue for our members who were not able to return home, and our
traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Caucus has also worked to increase
discussion on important issues in Mexico at Princeton by holding
speaking engagements with the Director of a Crisis Center for the women
of the Maquiladora factories in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. We were also able
to bring Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s political advisor, Manuel Camacho
Solis, to speak about the results and aftermath of Mexico’s most recent
presidential election.
Our tentative spring activities, most of them annual, include hosting an
informative panel for Californian high school students from the Parlier
Ivy League Project, our Easter Egg Hunt celebration for local Latino
children and their families, a campus Latino Worker’s Appreciation
party, our Pre-Frosh weekend study break, and the Chicano Graduation
ceremony to show our appreciation for our graduating seniors and their
families.
A lot of our efforts this school year have also been devoted to the
formation and expansion of the Latino Coalition, a group comprised of
other undergraduate Latino organizations at Princeton and the newly
formed Latino Graduate Student Association. The Coalition aims to
achieve greater recognition for the Latino community on campus, gain a
social, administrative, and support facility for our community, initiate
a Chicano/Latino studies program, and increase the number of Latino
faculty and staff on our campus.
Waking the Dream by Maria Holmes, Nosotras, Smith College
"Waking the Dream"
By Maria Holmes, Smith College
I refuse to call it American.
Every individual who steps on "American" soil comes with thirst
out of starvation for THE DREAM.
Through days of desert, with hope leading them to take the next tired
step in stride.
No we are not just Mexican. We are Salvadorian, Nigerian, Arab, Jewish,
Athiest, white.
Yes white.
Although you live my dream you are me, an immigrant on this soil.
What did you do to become the privileged? What must I do?
I've sold my labor, killed my sister, and even graduated from your
colleges and universities.
Yes, I did.
America has made it hard for us to attend but we have made summa cum
laude.
Am I sleeping?
Can you really not see me?
The American Dream, pshh NO!
This is my (our) dream. No one else can continue to defer it.
I am waking the dream.
Are you ready?
By Maria Holmes, Smith College
I refuse to call it American.
Every individual who steps on "American" soil comes with thirst
out of starvation for THE DREAM.
Through days of desert, with hope leading them to take the next tired
step in stride.
No we are not just Mexican. We are Salvadorian, Nigerian, Arab, Jewish,
Athiest, white.
Yes white.
Although you live my dream you are me, an immigrant on this soil.
What did you do to become the privileged? What must I do?
I've sold my labor, killed my sister, and even graduated from your
colleges and universities.
Yes, I did.
America has made it hard for us to attend but we have made summa cum
laude.
Am I sleeping?
Can you really not see me?
The American Dream, pshh NO!
This is my (our) dream. No one else can continue to defer it.
I am waking the dream.
Are you ready?
*Excerpt from Nosotras' Voces Unidas Feb. 2007: Vol. 25, Issue 4*
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