Brainstorm Week 10 - Albert Lam

One example of a feminista activist organizing community in the present while she plants seeds for the future is Marin, from “Chicas Rockeras: Empowering Girls in Southeast Los Angeles.” Marin, described as a "short, tough, determined woman", brought rock and roll camps for girls to Southeast LA, where she said, "many people lack access to resources, where it could really make a difference." Marin's entrepreneurial bout was spurred by her desire to help girls from her community have access to music, build confidence, and learn and grow in a positive environment. Chicas Rockeras is definitely an example of Chicanxfuturism: she identified a problem that is pressing, personal, and important, and she acted upon that problem to provide a novel solution herself for the sake of community and not profit.  Marin's efforts not only organize community in the present, but also works to break down gender roles for a stronger, more cognizant future; she noted that "Girls are often made to feel small...so imagine being ten, coming into camp and being told 'Yes you can' over and over again...or even being encouraged to yell into a mic." By far my favorite line from her was "Some girls, they have a breakdown, but they also have a breakthrough." I really like this line because it clearly exhibits that Marin creates a space for these girls where they can make mistakes, but also be honest with their emotions and grow through guidance and a network of support. I experienced this firsthand as someone who was active in youth sports and I love that something similar is made more accessible and through a different medium.

Amidst all the chaos of recent current events, stories like Marin's Chicas Rockeras program is really inspiring. In supporting the next generation, Marin exhibits a "lift as we climb" mentality that forges a path towards emancipation through recognizing and building upon the affinities within difference. The diversity of thought and representation in her camps is a testament to that. Marin is a true revolutionary, a problem-solver, and an apathy-fighter. With activists like her, there is hope that the status quo won't be the same for long.