Live Blog Post 1 - Caroline Johnson

The webinar started out with a prayer and a dance performance. There was also a moment of silence for the unfortunate deaths of George Floyd and others recently. All of us taking this moment of silence separately but together was very powerful.

Then we moved onto a discussion with Rosanna and Ofelia Esparza. I always find their discussions very powerful and empowering. Ofelia said that the “Most important education is the one you learn at home”. Ofelia said this as she explained how her mother taught her many aspects of tradition that she has now passed down to her 9 kids. I think this is very powerful and representative of what altars and Chicana feminism are are trying to get across. You cannot learn the importance of culture and the tradition of your ancestors through formal education. You learn this at home and by connecting with others which they do through altar making. I really enjoyed hearing them discuss the creation process and the meaning behind their altars.