Santa Fe New Mexican
As a former Spanish Princess who ran for La Reina in 2008 can fully attest to what is said in this article and I will also say that it is so much more than just a role or a title! My aspirations to someday run for La Reina kept me from becoming pregnant, killed or incarcerated before 25 years old (the deadline to run for La Reina at that time) I too thought La Reina had to be "smart" and educated to portray that role. I also thought at that time, I could work from inside this tradition to help deconstruct it into being a more inclusive and accurate depiction of history, I was wrong at that time. Yet, I haven't lost hope for us to RESTORE the harm done by my ancestors to my ancestors! It is my responsibility to unveil the hurt, pain and shame that has been done to my people, my land and my community. We can transform that into restoration, atonement, apologies and action! We have to do this together. The time is NOW! I offer myself to you all as a teacher, a student, a woman and a human being! My liberation is tied to yours! We must ACT NOW! #deconstructingfiesta #accountable #history #restorativejustice #TWU