Monthly Archives: August 2009

Dream Team L.A. Open House

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Over the summer I joined up with Dream Team Los Angeles to help with the campaign that’s behind the DREAM Act. The team is a coalition of college support groups, organizations and individual community members combining their efforts to help pass the DREAM Act. With soo many different orgs and individuals out there doing their thing, the team unites all of those resources and people power to get work done. Whether it’s holding/participating in workshops to help people know what the DREAM Act is, how it helps them and how undocumented kids can still get a higher education at the college/university level. On June 23 we had a DREAM Graduation to raise some hell and get major media to take notice and it worked. as we continue to make legislative visits to congressional reps and continue to keep the DREAM Act in the publics conscience, letting people know about the team and what we do is also an integral part of what we do. I know because I’m the co-chair of out reach and recruitment. So with that being said I urge anyone who is interested in learning and/or helping with the DREAM Act campaign to come to the open house and find out what the team is about and meet great like minded people. If anyone wants anymore info contact the team at dreamteamlosangeles@gmail.com.

The Art of Art Activism

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I fell into my art genre, tearfully waiting for my head to explode from the pressure of making a major life decision. It’s true what they say about giving birth to new ideas, and deciding on possible roads to take, they are painful and sometimes regretful. Nervously, you dive into your choices, like a first time Acapulco cliff jumper, hoping you’ll hit the right timing of the waves.

As I mentally engage for another art activism workshop this week—I give into its course, not knowing what to expect. I trust that my genuine effort to create something meaningful has its place in the world and like kinetic energy creates a small droplet of human hope into the universe. I see myself far and removed from the distant tragedies in the world, my voice against injustice seems so small and ineffective way over here in East LA. Continue reading →

Poppies and Bears

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My grandfather Atanasio Garcia, circa 1940

While going through my grandmother’s family photos, I came across a few prints that had this curious commemorative Los Angeles border. They look to be some kind of souvenir stock for the 1932 Summer Los Angeles Olympics. One of the symbols is the Los Angeles Coliseum which I imagine was quite the accomplishment for our city during this time. I also like the motif of the bears and poppies.

The Games of the X Olympiad started almost exactly 76 years ago on July 30, 1932 here in Los Angeles.