Actions speak louder than monuments
We could tear down art, but that wouldn’t change history; our willingness to change can
My family’s thoughts and prayers go out to the young man who was shot (during the Oñate protest); we pray for his speedy recovery. And on behalf of my district and my community I pray for a final recovery and resolution to a generations-deep conflict within ourselves as the inheritors of a legacy of both the conquest and the conquered.
Our New Mexico history is long and complicated. I do not view the monuments of our past as a celebration of conquest, but as symbols of our shared history — a concept that runs deep within our cultural fabric and identity. There is no question atrocities happened, but within that legacy I am most proud of my community’s resilience and ongoing journey toward unity. I understand and ally myself with the struggle toward racial equality in America — it has been the foundation for my personal work as a neighborhood activist and community leader.
While we could tear down every piece of art that has a controversial figure attached, it would not change history. Only our actions will change history, and as part of that we can engage in a discussion about the appropriate historical context for our monuments to the past.
Do not let this be a distraction from the current world conversation surrounding race. It is too important, especially for communities of color, to let the actions that occurred at the Albuquerque Museum distract us from the important work ahead that is needed to shape real racial inequalities and systemic and institutional racism.
As Hispanos and Native Americans we also share another long history and have been plagued by racism, have suffered disproportionately by this virus, have long-faced poverty, and our children’s educational opportunities and outcomes lag with high rates of dropouts, substance and drug abuse, mental health issues and low college enrollments. Our neighborhoods lack basic infrastructure, quality of life features and job opportunities.
The year 2020 will be a defining time in our nation’s history. As a woman of color it is inspiring to watch as people from all walks of life come together to demand racial justice stemming from the loss of George Floyd, the subsequent movement that resulted and the organizing efforts of Black Lives Matter. But after the dust has settled this moment in history will be defined not by the removal of monuments but rather by our actions or lack thereof. It is not enough to ask for change but to be the change.
The compelling reality about our history is we share our lineage, we have a shared history and we share our blood. It is our unique culture that we pride ourselves with — our relationship to the land and the environment, our food that is a rich blend of contributions by both Spanish and Natives, our melded traditions of both spirituality and ritual, our artistic and intellectual expression that is unique unto ourselves and sought by so many throughout the world, our traditions and celebrations, and more importantly our deep faith by both Hispano and Native Americans. This is what makes New Mexico unique to the rest of the United States and the world. I am proud to say we have a shared and distinct history. To my Native American brothers and sisters I am you, you are me.
To the Hispano community, or however you self-identify, it is our responsibility to ensure our children remember and celebrate our contributions to this land.
Let us not repeat the errors of the past but rather be and set the example for the future and be the leaders, for the world, for our children, our grandchildren and generations to come.
I look forward to the discussions ahead and the healing we all seek.