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.