women who rock

Mia Gasero

The 10th anniversary of the Womxn Who Rock conference was very eye opening on the future of female artists and those of the past. Especially in a time where life is turning in so many directions and we need to be there for one another and come together to support Black Lives and understand that not all of us experience what others have. During the dance breaks, it was amazing to see the expression of another while we had a chance to take in the love from the community we were gathered in and reflect on what has been occurring. It was interesting to hear Rosanna Esparza Ahrens discuss the making of an altar and how they use organic materials to put it all together but with a sketch of it first. Also a quote that I remember is when Rosanna said along the lines of, “When your in presence of an altar, your presence of sacred space”. This is absolutely true that the altar is sacred space and we must respect what we are viewing and whose lives we are honoring! One more quote that resonated with me was one from Francisa Garcia when she stated, “It’s not about death it’s about how a person lived”. I believe that is correct as well because with an altar, we want to ensure that we are honoring life while we are showing our love to the family. An individual's life goes on forever and we can feel their spirit when we are in the presence of an altar. Lastly, it was moving to view everyone’s altar near the end and see how incredible each one was made and how much of their spirit was seen within.

Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

This event was amazing! I was hesitant going into it because of the recent events regarding the murdering of multiple black people and the state of our nation with the prevalence of Covid-19. It turned out to be the moment of healing I was desperately in need for.

The focus on remembering and honoring the dead through ofrendas hit close to home with the many deaths occurring lately. It helped me to realize the significance of an archive and how it isn't just a tool of historical recollection, but a process of healing and reclaiming space -- both for the deceased and the creator.

I was enchanted by the way Rosanna and her mom talked about the altars they created and the power these pieces held for their family and their culture. Altars are a sacred space meant to honor the dead, but through their creations I was able to see the art and beauty behind it all.

A question that really stood out to me during the event was: do I consider my altar to be a work of activism? This really opened my eyes to the possibilities of art and the potential we all have to express our passions, whether they be political or not, through creations and the acknowledgment of the work those before us produced.

What does institutional healing look like compared to individual healing? This question is very relevant to our current state in my opinion. One person may seek ease of mind through peaceful protests or artistry of another form. Someone else may choose to riot and destroy buildings or attempt to completely dismantle our societal system. It is not our job to decide how someone approaches their trauma.

The words of the panelists inspired me and pushed me to be more intentional about my awareness of cultural histories and the difference between honoring/appreciating a practice and appropriating it. I have so much more knowledge and appreciation for Ofrendas and my eyes have been opened to the breadth of healing that can be achieved through art, music, dance, etc.

Women Who Rock Reflection

Due to the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, I was not fully present for this ofrenda. I was thinking about and honoring the resilient practices of Black leaders before me that contributed to freedom for all minorities. I was and am still thinking about the family members of Arbery, Taylor, and Floyd that are grieving lives that should still exist today. I really appreciate that we took a moment to recognize what is going on during this current political state. The panelists created a safe space for all of us to mourn and express our humanity. This conference inspired me to continue my work in advocacy so I can learn how to show up as a better ally for Black life. In reflecting on the resilience work and activism shown in this conference, I am furthering my role as an ally and future educator for the Black and Brown community. Our professors in AFRAM 337 have consistently shown up to do anti-racism work within their field and it truly empowers me to the same within my future career.

Women Who Rock Reflection

Gary Tran

I wasn’t able to go to the event due to work but I was able to watch some of the event footage posted at 10:33 PM by Professor Pallan, I’m currently still trying to finish the event, so this blog will be my reflection for what I have watched so far by midnight. With the recent deaths of many of jazz pioneers and musicians that have passed away from COVID-19 or natural deaths, the focus on remembering and honoring the dead by using offrendas made me feel a certain way. When I thought about my offrenda project, it really made me think how music would be today without the influence of Jimi Hendrix, the guitarist I have chosen for my project. He has influenced so many guitarists, influenced guitarists that influenced others, even more, taking guitar playing to the next level and influencing me to learn guitar. The event so far has made me feel the need to be more aware of the histories of music and honoring musicians that have passed away.

Women Who Rock Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

This event was really beautiful and inspiring. Especially in such a difficult and emotional time of isolation and the fight for equality across the country, it was really nice to see an event that reminds us there is hope and that we can still come together, even if virtually, to remember and to move forward. Getting to see Ofelia Esparza's work was absolutely amazing - all of her altars were beautifully and intricately done, and there was so much thoughtful detail in each piece of the ofrendas. Getting to see ofrendas like these on a large scale was definitely really inspiring and served as a really good reminder of the importance and power of remembrance. I didn't know too much about ofrendas before this class, and it was interesting to learn about how they take grief and turn it into a piece of art that celebrates and looks upon grief in a more positive way rather than in a more grim way. The event also celebrated diversity in culture in general, and helped to show that cultures other than your own are just as important and should also be acknowledged and honored. Looking outside your own small bubble and educating yourself about the world and others is vital to being a part of today's globalized world, and the event help show us that we are all human, we all have something important to bring to the table, and we all deserve recognition. It was also really great to get to see everyone's contributions and ofrendas for the communal altar and get to see the hard work, dedication, and creativity everyone put into their offerings. The event as a whole really helped show how powerful remembering and resilience are, and how they will continue on even in the face of hardship.

Ofrendas For the Future Reflection (Womxn Who Rock)

Being able to watch the Ofrendas For the Future (un)conference was an inspiring experience. I have not had a similar experience yet as a student at the UW and I was surprised at how much support and inspiration I found from the community that participated. The diverse group of individuals that shared their wisdom, thoughts, movements and art left me reflecting on this bright moment in a dark time for the United States. When I reflect on this experience the first thing that comes to mind is Ofelia Esparza's discussion of altar building. It struck me how she discussed altar building as not just a form of honoring those that came before us, but also as a catalyst for healing trauma and pain in communities. This was a unique perspective that I had not explored before, and I was pleasantly surprised by her open and vulnerable discussion about her and her daughter's experiences.

As a student that was educated through the public US education curriculum, I feel that I have missed out on the opportunity to learn about many cultures. This event gave me the opportunity to peer into another culture and experience a new form of thought that Esparza has been practicing since her youth. Seeing the way that their culture has crossed generations in an attempt to heal inter-generational trauma was incredibly insightful and a unique experience for me. This event has left me reflecting on the presence of such a unique community that came together for this event. I hope that I have the chance to learn more from this community in the future.

Ofrendas for the Future UnConference

Emma E

The Ofrendas for the Future event was an incredible experience, where many artful and talented women came together in remembrance, discussion, solidarity, and strength. I was very grateful to be in this space, listening to these formidable women speak and show their art. I was amazed by the work of Rosanna Esparza Ahrens and her colleague, the altars that the two women make are beautiful and powerful. The altars that they created, to remember their families and ancestors and community members, are amazing, utilizing flowers and other natural things. They explained that the altars were made the person’s life in mind, things to represent and remember their impact on the world. The two women also described that altars are created with the purpose of spirituality and remembrance, and to bring healing into a space. Altars are meant to become a space where we can remember those we lost, heal from that pain, and look forward.

            I was also amazed and moved by the other knowledge, art, and performance shared by women at the event. The woman who shared her dance (I didn’t catch her name) was a great addition to this space, and brought the joy that comes with movement. I was surprised that dance worked so well in an online space, but it did. And I was also extremely impressed with the thought provoking things Patricia Chookenshaa Allen had to say. Her words were extremely impactful and timely, and the song she shared beautiful. Thanks for sharing this event!

Ofrendas For The Future Reflection

The Womxn Who Rock "Ofrendas for the future" online gathering was a great occasion for me to get a closer look at the cultures and traditions that were not always so obvious but yet were strong and powerful. Quarantine period has been stressful, especially with everything that are happening nationwide with the mistreatments of our people. This (un)conference healed me with all of the blessings and positive words and works from all of the attendants and attendees, even the chatbox, for example, was filled with compliments and encouragement from others. It was beautiful.
My first experience of an "ofrenda" was from the movie Coco. The beautiful and meaningful arrangements of all the objects displayed in the altar were indeed striking. Therefore, having the opportunity to hear a presentation by Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna about their interpretation of the ofrendas and altars was rather exciting.
Another quote that I remembered from the conference very well is, "people really need a place to pray." This world we are in now is packed with tons of information, left us limited space to pause and react to them properly. Forgetting has become much easier than ever. Just as Coco has visualized for us, forgetting leaves as easy as falling of a marigold petal. I learned how resilience is important for all and that how much memory can bring to society.

Womxn Who Rock's 10th Anniversary virtual UnConference, Ofrendas For The Future

During the time of the conference, I was so amazed at everyone's ofrenda. seeing so much creativity within these altars. Alters were the way of connecting people and communities within honoring the death. The idea of an altar is a way for other individuals in the family to look back to their love ones it the most creative way. Expressing the gratitude to our love ones.

Learning about Mexican culture has taught me and made me feel closer to my Mexican friends back home where I grew up. It's good to be respectful to others in honoring the death as a type of celebration but yet mourning. It's good to appreciate other people's culture but not the idea of cultural appropriation. Everyone in the panel came from various backgrounds and different cultures.

Women Who Rock Reflection

At the Womxn Who Rock conference I got to see a lot of different alters and ofrendas in many different forms including art and dance. I enjoyed the dance from Giavonna White at the beginning and hearing about her dance background. As a dancer myself, this reminded me of my first time in a dance group when I was in elementary school. It was called Drummers and Dancers that practiced rhythms and dances from traditional African heritage. I also really liked a lot of things that Dona and Rosanna had to say in regard to their sharing of different types of alters including mobile ones that I had not seen before. There were a few things in particular that the mother said that sparked thought and a different perspective in my mind. I believe it was Dona who talked about the loss of her mother and how she was gone but “left a legacy of culture” of spiritual practices, food, and other aspects. I think this is a new way for me to think about the loss of people in my life, how our ancestors live on through our lives and daily practices that we might not always be consciously aware of. I also liked their description of alters being interactive which is something myself, as well as many others I’m sure, do not think of when they hear of or see alters. Overall, the conference brought new perspectives, beautiful art, and great artifacts for remembrance to light that I very much enjoyed. 

Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

Candace Chang
The virtual Orendas for the Future event on May 30th was a valuable experience I am glad I had the opportunity to take part in. With recent events, and the state of society currently, the theme of celebrating resilience was more appropriate than ever. I really appreciated the moments we took to recognize the pain happening and encourage support amongst ourselves and our community. It was very interesting to hear the panelists’ insights. For instance, I found the altars made by Rosanna and Doña Esparaza to be very beautiful and inspiring. As they mentioned, they are structures of hope, resilience, and even activism. I resonated with the saying that it related to remembering the joy of living, and thought that was an important takeaway message. Furthermore, I thought it was super cool that they were cultural advisors for the movie Coco. This somewhat related to the discussion of the importance of knowing your own culture and being respectful of that. Another thing I was pleasantly surprised with was how our separate projects as a class came together to create a powerful and cohesive piece. It was exciting to see how it all came together and each person’s individual take on how resilience takes shape. Though we may all have had different perspectives and values we all attempted to celebrate/recognize important contributors and contributions to society. In a time where the nation feels very divided and perhaps hopeless, I think this is very important. Overall, I really enjoyed the artistic elements of the Ofrendas for the Future event, as well as the communal and uplifting spirit of it.

Womxn Who Rock: Conference Reflection

Arjun Sen
GWSS 241


The Womxn Who Rock convention was unlike anything I have experienced from a cultural point of view. As Indians, we are taught to quietly respect the dead, with a picture and a small garland to remember them by. However, this conference showed me the clear contrast between cultures: Mexican culture not only respects the dead, but celebrates them, using creativity and imagination to portray their essence through the altars and ofrendas I saw on display at this conference. These altars are complex creations, incorporating the personality of the creator as well as the person it is celebrating. What impressed me the most in this conference was the level of detail and care put into each ofrenda; to me, an ofrenda is meant to inspire thought and wonder, and several of the ofrendas in this conference, especially the one by Ofelia Esparza, really highlighted the beauty of this cultural practice to me. The concept of viewing death as a celebration of a life well-lived rather than a mourning is something I personally feel would be a much healthier way of dealing with grief in today's society, something which is sorely needed. The conference showed me that the two are not mutually exclusive, and one can celebrate life after death at the same time as mourning. I found the conference to be very touching and beautiful, and is something I hope to see in person in the coming years.

Womxn Who Rock Reflection

    The "Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future" was very inspirational.  One thing that I found fascinating was Ofelia Esparza's and her alter.  It was cool to see the work and the altar and how it was passed from generation to generation.  Esparza is very lucky to have an altar that is still being passed on.  It was also very interesting to see everyone's altar.  Some were very creative and you can see the work that was put into these altars.  Learning about the altars made me realize that these were the roots of some of our ancestors.  Another thing that I found fascinating was the dancing.  The dancing was very strong and you can see that she was very passionate with what she does and very proud to express her culture.  The story that is told through dance is something that me and my culture do too.  Some may have heard of it, we express ourselves through a Tau'olunga and the Haka.  The Tau'olunga is a dance to show embrace and love.  It's a dance that is usually only for unmarried woman.  The Haka is the opposite of it.  The Haka is what we do to prepare ourselves for battle.  It brings fear into our opponent through the screams and the slapping.  It is used many time before war.  Nowadays, the Haka is used to prepare before we play a sport, such as football and rugby.  Every Haka is different depending on the different Polynesian island.  

WWR (un)Conference Reflection - Resilience: Memory, Challenge, and Protest

The Womxn Who Rock “Ofrendas for the Future” (un)Conference, was an incredibly fascinating event to watch. Now more than ever connection is important; In a time where we’ve been away from each other for so long, in which ever-present issues are at the forefront of our minds, it has never, in my lifetime, been so great a strain just to have to experience all that is the world today. Classes, as much as we can talk and see each other’s faces online, do not offer the same reprieve of the conference’s sense of community and love for others. The altars that were presented make the message of memory and resilience clearer than ever. I think a lot about protests and privilege, this week more than usual, and I think, for all the community, love, memory, dancing and connection I could discuss continuing in this post, I’d prefer to discuss the parallels of the black lives matter protests occurring now. This peaceful protest is, in the most powerful of ways, a resilience practice. Like the defiant challenge of Beyoncé in Lemonade, protests like these ask us to be strong for ourselves and others. Like the ofrendas and altars, we saw during the webinar, this protest is also a call to remember those we have lost. They ask us, in the same spirit that brings leadership and attendees to WWR, to come together for a cause, a universal love, and a movement bigger than ourselves. They remind us that, despite the division, despite the unsanctioned violence by anarchists and police, despite all that we, and especially black people and protesters, have been made to suffer, there will always be far more that unites than divides us. We need only the resilience to reveal it.

Women Who Rock Reflection

I learned so much in the conference on Saturday. However, the thing that was most moving to me was hearing Rosanna Esparza Ahrens talk about the altars. In particular, hearing about the altars full of tissue paper flowers made with the help of volunteers, the altar that displayed indigenous aspects as well as the memory of her father, and the community altar that was all paper and 2-dimensional so the kids could to touch it. I was also moved by the permanent altar at the natural history museum in Los Angeles. I am bummed I didn’t get to see it when I lived there! I thought it was so interesting the goal of the altar was to honor cultural diversity through an array if vignettes. 

Overall, I had no idea altars were a way to connect communities and used in such a variety of ways besides just honoring the dead. Esparza really opened my eyes to a new perspective on altars and on celebrating life and perspectives in a 3-dimensional and artistic way. The conference as a whole was beautiful although I had problems logging in/staying in with the 100 person cap they set on the zoom call but what I was able to see was really interesting and not something I would have gone to independently but am glad that I did!

Womxn Who Rock Reflection

Getting to view the Womxn Who Rock conference was quite a treat, and it was very interesting to get a perspective of how important offrendas are to the Mexican culture. I feel like I was able to learn a lot from the panelists because going into this class I did not know very much about altars or offrendas. It was great to learn what an offrenda really means to the panelists. They shared it as being a remembrance of the great life that a person lived and not to dwell on their death. It gave me a new perspective on how to see death that I did not really think about before. When I think about someone dying I would imagine that I would be too caught up in grievance that I wouldn’t focus on the life that they lead and all the great things that they did. Now I understand why Dia de los Muertos is such a celebration to people of Mexican heritage even though it is a holiday all about people who have passed. I think that these panelists were very important to furthering our understanding of how remembering overlaps so closely with all forms of music. It is important not to forget the people who pioneered in certain parts of music because they led us to where we are today. Also because the people forgotten are often women or people of color like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, it is important to remember so not to contribute to the racist idea that only white are responsible much of the music we have today.

Womxn Who Rock "Ofrendas for the Future" (un)Conference reflection

The 2020 Womxn Who Rock “Ofrendas for the Future” (un)Conference was such a bright light during a sad week for the United States. I was so inspired and enlightened by the community who participated. What was so incredible was the support and love for every culture, race, sexuality, gender, etc. From the blessing led by Polly Olsen acknowledging the ancestors of the Coast Salish people, to the moment of silence for George Floyd, Brenna Taylor, and others recently killed by police violence, to Ofelia Esparza’s explanation of the beautiful traditions of altar building and remembrance, there was one resounding message. Despite what you look like, who you love, and who you pray to (if at all) you will be respected and supported by those around you. I gives me hope that so many people believe in and spread these ideals.

I also got such a wonderful opportunity to learn about something I have had very little exposure to, which is altar building. The US education system does little to teach about the traditions and holidays of other religions and cultures besides Christianity, however I believe that Mexican culture is particularly under acknowledged. Hearing what Ofelia Esparza and her daughter had to say about the importance of remembering and honoring those who came before you was really touching. In this day and age, reflection and gratitude of the struggles of our ancestors gets lost. I know that I am guilty of this. Taking a step back to recognize the progress and hard work that our family did for us makes me want to work even harder to continue that progress for the generations to come.

Womxn Who Rock Reflection

        Despite the circumstances of having to attend the Women Who Rock event online, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see all of the amazing panelists share their art. Upon exiting the webinar, I began reflecting on how much more intimate the event actually felt online. I felt as if I was in any other online chat with a close group of friends whom I felt very comfortable around. 

Given the current state of the world,  it was very refreshing being in the space that acknowledged the injustices currently happening along with the ones of the past. Seeing the panelist perform their art of dance at the beginning of the webinar was incredible, and greatly inspired me to get comfortable expressing my art in the comfort of my own home, and broadcasting it into life. 

I found all of the Ofrendas breathtaking, and gave me even more insight of my culture that I often try to become closer to. I find it very admirable how much thought, time and effort was put into the ofrenda while upholding sustainable values, and valuing individuality and self expression in the art. 

Ofrenda May 31st

This event was incredibly moving and was just peaceful to watch and it was just amazing. I loved learning from activists and students and teachers that practice remembrance and who are all about the culture. I'm Hispanic and I have Latino culture in my family but I never really embrace it, but seeing this really makes me love the culture. I believe that cultures such as minority cultures are not welcomed in America and they want to kick the cultures out of the country. Ofrendas and altars are beautiful peace givings to honor the people that have passed away or to show the appreciation of their peers.  I was inspired by the people who would show their honoring and dances and speeches and the beautiful ways in which they remember their loved ones. Yes, we must fight for justice and our communities, but we also must honor the life of our loved one rather than allowing the narrative to be solely that of the oppressor or individual who caused their death. I am inspired to find a way of incorporating some of these ideas into my own life. I come from a city that is very Hispanic and I tend to see more cultures that  are Latino and Latina, like quinceaneras and traditions like that. I think it’s important to recognize and celebrate the life of a loved one that has passed while also mourning the loss of that life. Overall, the Ofrendas For the Future event was beautiful and very interesting.

Ofrendas For the Future Reflection

This event was incredibly beautiful and empowering. I loved hearing and learning from activists who practice remembrance. Though I had never thought about it until taking this course, remembrance really can be radical. Too frequently minority groups’ contributions and lives are erased from history. Ofrendas and altars are a beautiful to way to honor those who have come before us and educate those who will come after. It was empowering and healing to see so many women of color in that space, sharing their own cultural practices and experiences. I was inspired by the speakers and the beautiful ways in which they remember their loved ones as well as those who they have never met before through art, speech, and dance. Something Ofelia Esparza mentioned that I thought was very important is that we remember those who have passed for the life they lived, rather than making it about how they died. This is especially important for people whose death was accompanied by trauma. Yes we must fight for justice and our communities, but we also must honor the life of our loved one rather than allowing the narrative to be solely that of the oppressor or individual who caused their death. I am inspired to find a way of incorporating some of these ideas into my own life. I come from cultures that tend to practice mourning rather than the celebration of life which doesn’t really work for me. I think it’s important to recognize and celebrate the life of a loved one that has passed while also mourning the loss of that life. Overall, the Ofrendas For the Future event was beautiful and very interesting.

Womxn Who Rock Event Reflection

Maricruz Maldonado

This event was absolutely empowering and had a component of my culture. In my family my grandma makes altars too and seeing Ofelias Esparza's work was absolutely amazing. My grandma could not pass on her work like Ofelia does with her family but the knowledge and tradition in our family is very well alive. I love seeing the detail they added to the altars, they were personalized and made the altars celebrate the dead. I learned that the ofrenda is a reflection of what we have inside of us. Also, that people are not far from healing. Overall, I really enjoyed hearing the panelist stories and seeing the amazing creations my classmates made for their altar/ofrenda. 

Womxn Who Rock Ofrendas For The Future - Reflection

Katherine Blakeslee

Attending this event was so inspiring, and the kind of light we need during these dark times.  I am so glad we were able to attend virtually, while we are still staying at home.  I loved hearing how Ofelia Esparza and her family go through the process of creating their altars. Seeing the final products with all of the intricate detailing, at such a large scale, was beautiful.  It was really cool to hear how they were involved in the process of creating Disney’s Coco, as cultural advisors.  In the movie the characters cross over a literal bridge once they die, which comes from how altars connect the living and the dead.  I also appreciated the discussion about how even when your culture doesn’t have a specific practice, such as creating altars, you can still find ways to connect to your ancestors.  I was glued to my computer screen while scrolling through the virtual ofrenda, there were so many creative and impactful altars!  Especially the pieces that brought attention to the protests against police brutality that are going on right now.  I also appreciated the discussion of how people should interact in spaces that aren’t meant for them.  It is so important to be respectful of how different cultures honor their ancestors.  It takes a conscious effort to understand and appreciate aspects of cultures that aren’t your own, to avoid cultural appropriation.  It was also amazing to have such a diverse panel, who all spoke about the different aspects of their cultures.  For example, I had never heard of the practice of not saying the name of someone who has passed for a year, to give their spirit time to take that journey.  It was eye opening to hear from so many perspectives, and I am honored to have been a part of this event!

Womxn Who Rock Un-Conference Reflection

The Womxn Who Rock's annual un-conference was a beautiful, eye-opening, and special experience for me. I appreciated all of it, but a few events really stood out to me. Firstly, I loved hearing Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna discuss the ofrendas that they create. I was able to realize how truly intricate and honorable these altars really are, although I have always found them interesting and beautiful. I loved seeing the different types of altars that are made, especially the altars that were constructed in the form of a dress. I think its so amazing how complex and meaningful every aspect of an altar is. I loved how inclusive this event was, and how differences in culture were not erased, but discussed and celebrated.I really enjoyed, additionally, that Ofelia and Rosanna discussed the meaning behind altars/Dia de los Muertos, specifically that the altars are very spiritual and honorable--that they are not simply a trend or "decoration" as American dominant culture/cultural appropriation can portray them, and thus steal from Mexican culture. I was upset at ignorance that I may have shown towards this beautiful event in the past, and the further flaws that I now can identify in the public primary and secondary school systems' teaching agendas. I found the sense of community at the un-conference, rare and sensational. I admire the love and unity that the panelists all had for one another, and that they were able to show respect for one another at all times, even when disagreement took place. I loved being in a place where people were supporting, lifting up, and listening to other people.
Lastly, I very much enjoyed seeing everyone's contributions to the communal altar; I loved the demonstration videos, the offerings, and all of the resilience practices that were honored. This event was truly memorable and an exceptional gathering in a world full of injustice and cruelty.

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future

Attending this virtual event really opened my eyes on how important it is to appreciate any sort of culture. The Ofrenda project helped us all express ourselves creatively and it was heartwarming to see how some people really put their whole heart into it. It was really interesting seeing the panelists speak about why this meant so much to them and hearing the different stories that makes the concept of the Ofrenda unique. I had only known what an Ofrenda was after watching the movie Coco, so listening to people speak about their authentic experiences was moving. Going through the K-12 system, we hardly learned about any cultures outside of American culture, thus hearing their struggles truly makes you ponder the American education system. The entire virtual event was rich with information and spread an important message about preserving culture. Rather than ignoring race and pretending that color does not exist, instead celebrate and honor other cultures and diversity. By participating in creating an Ofrenda, I was able to interpret what this project meant for me personally, while also learning about others' extensive history. Setting up events like these brings a light upon dark times and reminds us that we are all in this together. Without ignoring the real struggles that minorities face every day, we can all show effort in caring about the existence of others. Preserving culture is so important, especially with the effects of assimilation. 

(Johnny Le)

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas For The Future Reflection

I was pleasantly surprised how enlightened I was when watching the Ofrendas For the Future event. It was inspiring to see how different people approached giving offerings and appreciations and communicating how they felt visually on an Ofrenda. As a creative person myself, I was inspired by how creatively some individuals went about putting certain objects and shapes in specific ways. It was interesting to me that people had altars that were works-in-progress, and how it was a collective effort with a group or a family that were contributing to the altar, everyone giving their own additions. I wouldn't call myself a very spiritual person, but it was refreshing to see the panelists emphasize that the altars are seeking to celebrate life. It's a different way to look at death. The way that these panelists discussed how the creators of the altars described their though processes made this feel more of an intiame experience. Furthermore, Esparza described these altars as "a call to action", which makes the idea of these altars more active. They aren't supposed to be passive monuments, they are supposed to be actively engaging to the viewer so they can come out of it with a takeaway, and maybe spark a discussion with another viewer. Watching this webinar made me feel more connected to my own altar that I created, and to not look at it as simply a shrine to my artist. I came out of the event thinking of it as a moving experience, and happy that I attended.

Blog Reflection– Ofrendas For The Future

Sara Gustafson

Blog Reflection– Ofrendas For The Future

5-31-2020

During the Womxn Who Rock's 10th Anniversary Virtual UnConference,
it became immediately apparent how valuable community is to these women.
Though I was not part of the panel I was able to feel the love, empowerment,
and respect that all these people had for one another. For instance, when there
was a disagreement about “saying their names” regarding the lives recently lost,
these people were able to have a constructive conversation that cleared up
what the person meant and provided space for conference attendees to feel
that their thoughts were valid. 

Though the conference was inspiring in many ways, I was particularly struck
by the variety of cultures that were included in the conversation and the event.
I know I learned new things with each person talking about their own experiences
and projects. Rosanna Esparza and her mother’s demonstration of their past
ofrendas was incredible and taught me about the variety and effort that is put into
these pieces. One of their statements about their ofrendas stood out to me and
that was when they were talking about the altars not as decoration, but as an
important and integral part of their culture. Even though I was the person who
created my ofrenda to Selena, I know that by listening to their story I was able
to understand the value of my altar even better.

Attending this event has provided me with a new perspective on community
and the ways in which we can support each other during trying times.

Ofrendas for the Future

             The Ofrendas for the Future virtual event was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. First off, the altars were beautiful. It was so inspiring and sweet to see Rosanna and her mother Ofiela talk about their work and why they do it. I really liked how she was explaining that these are not decorations (as I am sure she gets that a lot) and talked about how it is about honoring the life of those we hold dear. Another aspect that was really inspiring is when Patricia was talking about how there is an entity that existed before the concept of Jesus that is "the protector of heads". I have had native american friends growing up and I feel like I am somewhat familiar with their culture, but I am so glad to be learning more. The main thing that stood out to me was the dialogue between Ofiela, Rosanna, Omitosin, and Patricia. They all come from different walks of life and have different cultures, but they were sharing their similarities and their differences in how they honor their loved ones. I have encountered each of these cultures before in the past, but I have never seen an interaction like that and it brought tears to my eyes. Especially with everything that is happening with the black community, it really reiterates that although we may be a little different, we are all human and we have to respect each other and it should not be hard. Although I wish it had been in person and I could have met some of these wonderful people along with seeing the altars, it was still an experience that I will always remember.

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

mintgreenelephant

The virtual Ofrendas for the Future conference was very powerful. Learning about Ofelia Esparza’s altar-making process and seeing altars that she and her family have created, along with the story behind them, was eye-opening. The intricate details such as the aluminum leaves, paper flowers, and hand-crafted clay foods come together to make incredible tributes. Including interactive aspects in community altars, where people could write messages to add to the altar, was also a compelling way to connect the community. When looking at some of Ofelia Esparza’s altars prior to building my own altar, I thought about the movie Coco and its messages around honoring your ancestors through celebrations during Día de los Muertos. It is only fitting that Ofelia and Rosanna Esparza were cultural advisors for Coco. The altar that they constructed for the movie was spectacular and tied in the idea that the ofrenda is a bridge to the people that you love.

One other conversation that is incredibly relevant was about religious spaces during COVID-19. While I am not religious myself, I understand the need for people to be in religious spaces to feel more connected to their faith. However, Omi brought up an interesting point that you do not need to be in a church to pray or meditate. Rather, the space you are in just needs to resonate as a spiritual place. Since most churches are closed, which is necessary to protect public health, people can still create spaces to feel connected to their faith.

A time to gather, share and reflect: Womxn Who Rock's 10th Virtual Un-Conference

Caroline Roe
Womxn Who Rock

What an important and special time to gather with so many admirable individuals. With so much happening in the world right now, specifically surrounding racism issues in America and our current stay at home reality, I really appreciated the opportunity to gather with a community who shared a mutual respect, understanding and passion for authenticity and meaning within life. This un-conference brought people together on a communal level to spark conversation, share stories and art, and provide the chance to be together in a world where everything is so separate. Along with the Q&A, I really enjoyed viewing and hearing about the altars created by Ofelia Esparza and her daughter. The detail, beauty and message behind their pieces were awe-inspiring. It allowed me to think about where I could have gone with my personal altar, created for the midterm project. These altars are a true labor of love. They show passion and commitment to those who we have lost. The connections made throughout to life of the past, present and future touched me in a way that feels very current. We can learn from the past, learn from the good and the bad. We can carry legacies with us to inspire us as individuals trying to make a difference in the world. In doing so, the future will begin to shift. Women will be equals. All race will be equals. It should be that way. This virtual gathering held a common thread of respect for what makes us unique being what makes us a strong community. Overall, I feel grateful to have been apart of this event. I was given the window into others worlds and able to carry it with me into my life. Who am I? Who do I honor? How do I honor, and what will I do next in order to express myself and bring people together while doing so?

Ofrendas For The Future Reflection

I enjoyed how the conference illustrated the importance of remembering not only the death of women but how they lived and what they represented. It reminded me that death is not all about the mourn and to be missing someone. As told earlier in the course, I remembered that death is a celebration and that one should dedicate time to connect with their loved ones.
Moreover, I am amazed at the delicate work put into the altars. It indicates the strong connections people have with the afterlife. My favorite altar is the model that is completely made of paper. After viewing all of the altars, I learned about respect for a sacred atmosphere and the incorporation of energy. I would like to learn more about how to connect on a deeper level with the important people in my life that have passed. Personally, I believe a large part of the death phase is healing. It was discussed that Ofrendas serve as an integral tool in healing and to overcome grief. I think this will be beneficial for me to better connect with my ancestors.
Furthermore, I liked the potlatch concept discussed at the conference. A potlatch is a method for people to come together and celebrate life. My family practices a form of potlatch when something of great importance occurs. I resonated with how a potlatch was described as a way to appreciate through food and people. In my prior experiences with a potlatch, I believe that it was easier to connect with people. Moving forward, I hope to use potlatches to bring me closer to myself and the ones I love.

We're more related than we think

I enjoyed my experience attending the virtual “Ofrendas for the Future” event. During these uncertain times I feel it is important to continue with certain traditions and to remain connected with our communities. And when I say communities I mean it in a very broad sense, because as individuals living together we create the communities we inhabit. That is one of the points I picked up on while listening to the discussion panel. The (un)conference, to me, was a place where women from different cultures can come together and share stories and traditions that honor the dead. In some traditions, altars are built to memorialize the departed. In others, a time of mourning to allow the dead to travel to the next world is appropriate. So in some way, shape or form, the spirit of someone’s life is celebrated through ritual and custom.

Sharing our stories is also important for the sake of our collective history as ethnic groups living in America, which is the larger theme of this event. In some Chinese cultures I've heard there is also a time of mourning to allow the dead to travel to the next world. In Filipino culture, we also practice Dios De Los Muertos but call it All Saints Day. The holiday is meant to celebrate all the Christian saints, known or unknown, but also to celebrate our loved ones who have passed. Family gatherings are held at the tombs of the departed. Food and floral offerings are provided, small altars are set, and gravestones and plots are cleaned. This practice is attributed to our largely Catholic population, which stems from the four centuries of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. 

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future

Yesterday, I witnessed something that was out of the ordinary. First of all, it was powerful to see what a group of passionated womxn can do, and it is fair to say it was AMAZING!

I truly loved the fact that Polly Olsen acknowledged what is currently happening with the George Floyd murder by taking a minute of silence. It was powerful and it is so refreshing to have the support of brave womxn who have faced challenges and overcome them in their regular lives.
I think I really like the African performance at the beginning and the end of the conference. It was so beautiful to see someone of a similar background as me performing such a beautiful choreography praising her roots and moving so gracefully. It was beautiful to see all the offrenda examples that Ofelia Esparza and Rosanna (I hope those are the correct names) presented. It was so beautiful and amazing to see how we can honor the bravery, the strength, the beauty, the power, the grace and so much more of so many beautiful womxn in multiple ways. It was so inspiring to see how she became an expert in offrendas and her daughter took after her accomplishing beautiful offrendas that not only honor the memories of the dead but also show the beauty of her culture and her heritage. She also challenges us because though she was born in the US in the early 20th century, she made sure her family kept her heritage and passed it down to their kids also. I think the offrenda that I like the most was the one that she was caring on her head because it showed that the memories of our loved ones now gone do not stay at home. The pride and the pain that we carry from their deaths is something we carry daily, and that portable offrenda was a sign of that.

Womxn Who Rock's : Ofrendas For The Future Reflection

Leslie Munoz Ruiz

GWSS 241

Reflection 

I really enjoyed the unique way these womxn created a safe space for others to gather. During Ofelia Esparaza's presentation, I was very impressed by her ofrendas and the creativity and thought that she put into them. What really caught my eye was the abstract ofrendas. When they created an ofrenda by using cloth showed how versatile this practice is.  I also enjoyed the altars that were made out of 100% organic materials. To me, it also showed respect to the earth and that they were conscious of the elements that they were using.

Furthermore, I enjoyed the personal aspects of Esparaza's family tree. By her sharing her family history, it brought welcoming energy for the participants. It also reaffirmed a sense of community by sharing these stories. I also appreciated the way the presenters all paid respects to the Native Americans that once occupied the land. I felt the healing aspects through these presentations, especially at the end. I could feel how important it was for everyone there that they got to share their culture and their story. By having events like these, we show resilience because we continually practice and share our experiences with others. Additionally, by sharing, we also cultivate richness within the community, which is an act of resilience. 

Overall, it was nice to see all these beautiful cultures to come together and create something special. Again, it was a safe space for people to express themselves and for others to listen without judgment. To collaborate and create something that honors others and their perspectives. This was something that is very needed at this moment. I am very honored and privileged to be able to attend this event. 

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas For the Future Reflection

Adubbs

GWSS 241

I felt very honored and privileged to be given the opportunity to contribute to the archive by creating my own altar and then to be invited to join today’s Womxn Who Rock’s UnConference. The past several months has proven to be mentally trying for humans around the globe learning how to navigate what appears to be our new norm amid the pandemic we are facing. However, ongoing police brutality against our Black communities are making tough times, unbearable. When I signed on to attend the virtual event, I was expecting an insightful conversation around altars and ofrendas and a glimpse at the work of Ofelia Esparza in addition to the work that other students submitted offerings. What I actually experienced was a really heart-wrenching and healing conversation through art and love that was centered around community and culture.

Watching Giovanna White invite us into their space to dance on-screen with their “Black Healing Matters” t-shirt and stunning head wrap, was beautiful and moving in a way that I had not anticipated. It is several hours after the event and I am still thinking about how lovely the performances were. Further, getting a closer look at the work of Ofelia and her children felt so intimate and special. I remember how inspired I felt when I first watched the initial video about the altar making prior to creating mine but seeing more of Ofelia’s amazing work made me feel even more connected to the altar I created. Today’s conversation made me want to engage in this healing practice more frequently.

In honor of the lives that have been taken far too soon I would like to conclude by saying the names of those who are gone but never forgotten: RIP Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade. #BlackLivesMatter #SayTheirNames

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas For the Future Reflection

Name: Allison Bennett

In light of the recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, today’s (un)conference gave me hope for a better future by reminding me that I am surrounded by a community of empowered womxn who are actively using their agency and creativity to further social justice aims. While I learned something from every speaker during this event, the presentation by Dona Ofelia Esparza and her daughter Rosanna Esparza Ahrens especially struck a chord with me. I loved seeing images of the carefully-crafted altars curated by the mother-daughter duo and hearing the stories behind each of them, such as the altar dedicated to “defenders of mother earth”. Also, I thought that these womxn added a much-needed level of depth to my understanding of the meaning of the ofrenda and the altar. For example, Dona Ofelia Esparza once described the ofrenda as a “portal to all of the people that we love; a portal of healing”. Along similar lines, the two repeatedly emphasized that in creating the altars, they are seeking to celebrate life, not how a person died. I thought this was incredibly important, since I think a common misconception is that Dia de los Muertos and the traditions surrounding it are intended to celebrate death. Clearly, this is not at all the case. I also thought it was powerful when Dona Ofelia Esparza described the altar as a “call to action”. This helped me see that the altar is not just about passively viewing; rather, it is about actively engaging, inspiring the living to enact change while continuing to honor and remember those that have passed away. In addition to these two speakers, I thought it was inspiring to see womxn from such diverse backgrounds come together to discuss their ideas, united by shared desires of a more just future. Finally, I enjoyed the unveiling of the community altar and scrolling through everyone’s work. I could see the passion, time, energy, and care that every ofrenda and altar creator put into their pieces, and that was a beautiful and moving experience. Overall, I am very grateful to have been a part of this!

Ofrendas for the futures reflection

Ofrendas for the future reflection

The work of Ophelia Esparza and her daughter was truly amazing. I feel honored that I could learn about their cultural practices and their work in making altars. Hearing the panelists talk about their religious practices and practices of remembrance was also interesting to me. I have been an atheist and anti-religion since a very young age. I have never felt or heard anything convincing that made me believe there is some form of an afterlife or higher being. Additionally, many religious denominations promote misogyny, homophobia, racism, pedophilia, and violence, and I refuse to associate with organizations that promote these practices. I know that belief in an afterlife can help people mourn losses as they may find comfort that the "soul" of their loved ones lives on. Regardless, I could not accept this one mental benefit of religion as a reason for enabling the biased and anti-progressive beliefs taught by many religions. 

However, as I mentioned, I enjoyed hearing the panelists discuss their religious beliefs. I still will not feel any spiritual energy when around an altar or church. I still do not believe in a higher being or afterlife. I do not believe that the dead can come back on Dia de Los Muertos. But, I realized that there are other benefits to religions that may make them of value for certain people. For example, building an ofrenda/altar can help families heal, strengthen family bonds, and encourage people to remain connected to their cultural history. Additionally, I reconciled what the Salish woman (I can't remember her name) discussed with what I have observed from the few pow-wows I have attended and discussions about spiritual beliefs with my indigenous friends. I realized that the strong cultural and spiritual practices within indigenous communities allow indigenous tribes to be some of the most interconnected and strongest communities I have seen. After listening to the panelists, I now feel that the world does not need to dismantle religion entirely, but instead reconstruct religious teachings to exemplify the positive practices of religion and denounce outdated and predacious principles. 

Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

After a turbulent week, with the murder the George Floyd and the protests that have followed, I found the Womxn Who Rock Virtual Conference a safe space for healing and to collectively share our experiences and ofrendas. What I found particularly interesting from the conference are the altars from Ofelia Esparza. I was in awe of the beauty and power of these altars and that so much is conveyed in her art. The attention to detail and stories behind each of the altars is phenomenal. A majority of the conference consisted of talking about healing, something very relevant to what is happening in America right now. Someone at the conference said, “Finding the balance of space to fight for our own humanity and to heal within ourselves ”, which I found very profound. Right now, it feels like there is no time to heal from the horrific acts we’ve witnessed this week as we take action and fight for the lives and rights of those in the black community. Another quote from Womxn Who Rock is “People need to know that they are not far from healing”. I found this to be really powerful as it brings hope to people struggling, something many of us can relate to with the current events happening. Overall, I found the Womxn Who Rock Virtual Conference a positive and uplifting experience. I feel fortunate that we were able to learn and hear from altar specialists like Ofelia and to also have a space to share all of our ofrendas. 

Ofelia Reflections: White Anarchy in Seattle Streets

As I listened to the Ofelia Reflections I thought how wonderful it would be to have a group of women around me of this caliber. I am not spiritual by any stretch of the imagination but this was something different and incredibly self-reflective. As the different members spoke I wondered about our stewardship to the planet and how horribly wrong it has gone. For example, as I set here writing, tI am listening to the new about a here is a protest in downtown Seattle. Mayor Jenny Durkan is announcing a curfew starting at 5 p.m. both today, Saturday, and tomorrow, Sunday because of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

I remember so many other civil rights protests, burning, fear of the police, particularly the LAPD; and so much misinformation over the airwaves and social media during my lifetime. Through the years I saw Angela Davis run for her life, Black Panthers killed by the Military Complex (Police & Guard). I rode through Watts after it was burned down in the 60's. I have viewed other civil rights burnings, killings and lately white male anarchy caused by this Presidency. It is in full view tonight. This is the I want change. I came into this world gendered and coded female.  I want change.  I want my biracial grandchildren to grow up safe and go to College. I want change. And above all, I want to live to sit in your classes and discuss John Berry's theory of acculturation which speaks to ideas of Integration, Assimilation, Separation, and Marginalization   We are trapped within our own minds.  I want something better for my family, my friends and those that struggle with life.

“Ofrendas for the Future” Reflection

Shiena Carmen
GWSS 241
May 30, 2020

It's very inspiring to see the many different offerings and appreciations every has showcased to represent these individual's passions and favorite memories that help celebrate their loved one's life. The stories of their upbringings is truly inspiring to see their path of life and how much they are still loved and are celebrated. It's interesting to see how people celebrate to keep their memories alive to never forget their history. Ofelia Esparza's Altar was very nice to see that there were beautiful offerings as well as colors that pop and show vibrance. Ofrendas allow people to express their culture as well their life story. The altars are amazing to emphasize the beauty of someone's life and dedications to show that they are still remembered and are appreciated by those who were inspired by them. This is their story and life to show to many people that even after death, their stories are still alive. It's interesting to witness cultural perspectives and appreciate the beauty to acknowledge the many different backgrounds and stories from various people. Seeing these ofrendas have inspired me to appreciate everyone and everything, there's a story behind everything. Documenting and showcasing an ofrenda is another way to show history that needs to be shown to be a reminder of what's happened.

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

Matt Johnson

After viewing the “Ofrendas for the Future” event the biggest message I took away was the importance of honoring your ancestors through reflection.  During the event Ofelia Esparza said “All of us have ancestors, we have to reach out to them because it’s not normally a part of our traditions.”  I personally reflected on this and thought about my own ancestors that emigrated from Sweden in the early 90s.  My ancestors settled in Port Angeles and took up farming as a way of life, and my dad has shared with me many of the traditions from his childhood growing up on that farm.  He has instilled in me a sense of strong work ethic, loyalty, and helpfulness.  Hearing Ofelia Esparza mention reaching out to our ancestors, it made me think about being more intentional about reflecting on my ancestor’s culture.  Rosanna Esparza also said “People need to know they’re not far from healing.  It’s right there, they need to crack it open.  Give yourself permission to acknowledge the ancestral power of healing.”  This quote allowed me to see the connection between ancestral reflection and positive healing energy.  Reflecting and acknowledging your ancestors allows those from your past to help you heal.  This idea connects to the message echoed by many people at the event of the importance of finding a spiritual place to pray.  If one can find a place where they can feel their ancestors around them, they can use that strength to better heal themselves.  I gained a new perspective on the power of ancestry from this event, and I’m excited to implement that perspective in my life.

Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

After viewing the Womxn Who Rock Ofrendas for the Future conference and website I am so incredibly impressed by the offerings and altars that were put together by our class and by those on the panel. There were so many beautiful and thoughtful contributions made, celebrating a diverse range of genres and artists. 

The first thing that stood out to me in the conference itself was the prayers/wishes right before the beginning (around 12:50 or so). The wishes that were put out to the world helped me be more mindful throughout the conference. The collective grief and anger that is being felt right now underscores the necessity for these resilience practices. 

I feel lucky to have been able to hear from Doña Ofilia and Rosanna Esparza Ahren and see their altars. The altars they have built are absolutely amazing. The duality of collective grief and celebration of life has left me thinking about the ways I can honor those in my life who have passed in a new way.  

The dialogue between Omi King and Tracy __ (forgot to record her last name) was interesting to me. Omi brought up the passing of Nipsey Hussle, and the speed at which people began to discuss his name and grieve his physical passing, and how this kind of ‘saying his name’ ‘doesn’t allow his spirit to move on to the next life or other realm. Tracy commented in the chat that there is a necessity to say his (and all of those who have passed) name, as a way of remembering those who are gone. Obviously there are nuances, as ‘say his name’ is more focused on remembering those killed by police brutality and racial injustice. Regardless, it was an interesting dialogue and it was enlightening to hear the discussion of these different views, which ultimately are the same: resilience practices.

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas For The Future Reflection

Coming in to the Womxn Who Rock's 10th Anniversary virtual UnConference, Ofrendas For The Future, I didn’t really know what to expect from it. I had a feeling that we’d be able to take a look at some cool ofrendas from others in the community but I didn’t expect to be able to see altars as interesting and as impressive as the altars that were presented by Rosanna Esparza Ahrens and Ofelia Esparza. Being able to take a look at the incredible altars they’ve made over the years really was mindblowing due to how complex, beautiful, and massive the alters were while still being very clear and touching towards the people they were dedicated to. Throughout all the examples that we were able to see, I noticed that what really made these altars stand out, other than their impressive sizes, was the beautiful and extensive use of flowers, the inclusion of many pictures throughout the layers, the density of artifacts on each of these layers, and the very organic look these altars were able to invoke through the choice of artifacts. The Esparza’s work garnered even more respect from me when they were able to show an example of how they planned and blueprinted each of their altars which really highlights the care they put into each of the altars but also the time they put into each altar. Another highlight for me was the panel following the altar presentation where we got to see perspectives of spirituality from African, Native American, and Hispanic backgrounds as being able to see how these perspectives differed in unique ways while still agreeing on the importance of connecting with our ancestors and spirits.

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

Estelle Park

“Ofrendas for the Future” gave me the opportunity to learn about the elements, offerings, and energy people put into creating a meaningful altar. In the beginning, we were able to witness the beautiful altar one of the panelists shared. What stood out to me were the butterflies and hummingbirds used to bring a physical element of the altar to life. The space present today during my virtual experience felt like the stories and truths of womxn are validated. 

I learned that grief does not have to be painful or about suffering. I learned that grief can be a positive experience full of celebration and honor. And remembering the dead does not have to be in the form of an altar but through other forms such as dance or singing. It gives everyone an opportunity to remember their loved ones with an authentic heart. In a way, this opportunity displayed that our stories and truths are validated by having an open space to express grief and celebration, which was also seen through the stories of the panelists today. 

It was really cool to see all the support and the community of womxn who continue to advocate not only for themselves for generations forward. I found it inspiring and motivating that amid the coronavirus, there are individuals and communities still actively working to bring light to the truths and experiences of womxn and oppressed groups. I think it’s easy to lose motivation in this time when we are physically unable to unite as a community. But to have the option of virtual engagement was a phenomenal experience that illustrates integrity and ambition.

Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future Reflection

I really enjoyed attending the Womxn Who Rock: Ofrendas for the Future event on Saturday, May 30th. Listening to all of these women discuss how they honor their passed loved ones with Ofrendas and what it meant for them in the past, the present and now going into the future was inspiring to say the least. Being able to look through the Ofrendas for the Future collective Ofrenda, and seeing what not only my classmates have done, but other people in the community was incredible and I look forward to participating in next year’s event as well.

Something I found fascinating was when Omitosin (Omi) King was discussing the transition that our loved ones who have passed, go through to transition from the human realm to the spirit realm was eye-opening. She said that it takes about a year’s cycle for them to transition from the human realm to be with their ancestors/into the spirit realm. And our Altars filled with Offerings are meant to guide them and to help them on their journey. We are helping their humanness merge with their soul, their spirit in order for them to be at peace. When researching Ofrendas for my own offering, I hadn’t come across this information and I have a deep respect for those who work to share the significance, symbolism, and personal meaning that Ofrendas and Altars have. Not only were the Altars that we saw during the event beautiful and incredible to see, but the way they were explained by Rosanna Esparaza Ahrens and her mother and how they work to honor their passed loved ones, I can’t explain how incredible it was to listen to their words. 

Something else I really appreciated seeing today was Lulu Carpenter's backdrop that read, “Worthy of Healing”. I think that especially in today’s world, and what is going on right now, it is extremely important to see and listen to those words. The words reflected the words said, where the importance of community was strongly backed and advocated for. In lieu of what is happening in our country and the protests that are going on around the world, I know that I am hurting, and other members of the Black Community are hurting over the deaths of our people. What is incredible so see is the response that not only his, and the other deaths of Black men and women at the hands of the police and at the hands of the system. We won't change, and we will only be able to fully heal when systemic racism is no more.