The organization Audicity Performing Arts, in collaboration with Peninsula 360 Press, held an intensive workshop at Bridges Academy in San Jose, California, with young people from the 7th to 8th grade middle school located in the Franklin-McKinley school district.
This workshop was the opportunity for young people of different ages and ethnic origins to reflect on the importance of life, honor loved ones who have died, as well as learn about the offerings made on the Day of the Dead, one of the celebrations most popular in Latin America.
In order to present the topic and break the ice, the workshop began with a video about the Day of the Dead. The video served as a trigger for emotions to connect with someone loved or admired who had died in their life, such as family members, pets and even famous people who have left their mark on history and have marked the lives of these students in one way or another.
After discussing the elements of the ofrenda and their meaning to Mexican culture, students used their creativity and the artistic vehicle of their choice, such as drawing, writing, or story, to express their emotions about the topic. Some, together, paid tribute in their own way to someone who had died.
Being mostly young people, children or grandchildren of migrant families, the importance of connecting, through altars, with the traditions of the community in which they live was highlighted.
In addition to reflecting on the legacy that these deceased people or pets left us, the artistic work served as an exercise in self-narrative about the students' own history, as well as the issues that concern them or affect them in their daily lives, such as abuse of drugs and bullying.
Once again, we were able to confirm that art, and even more so when it comes to young and free minds, is a powerful vehicle to move emotions, pay tributes, talk about relevant issues in our communities and, why not, improve the world.
The works presented in the special printed edition of PenÃnsula 360 Press were prepared collaboratively by the students and our team of journalists, with editing by Irma Gallo and art by Mexican designer Sandra Becerril.
Skull of hearts
By Jesus Hernandez
I dedicate this drawing to two pets that I loved very much, two birds called Mango and Sky.
These birds lived with me and allowed themselves to be petted. They liked to eat pineapple and I was happy to have them near me.
One day, a cat came into my house and ate them.
I miss them and that's why I dedicate this skull drawing to them.
I drew a love skull. It is a skull like those made of sugar that are given on the Day of the Dead in Mexico to remember loved ones.
My skull has hearts because they represent the love I felt for those birds, which for a time were my companions, my friends, my pets.
About me
I'm 14. I was born in Mexico and live in San José, California.
In my free time I like to draw and play video games (gaiming) with my friends.
The things I don't like are people who are unkind or violent, like people who do bullying. I have suffered bullying at school and I have seen what they do to him bullying to others.
Dragon of life
By Andrew
The Day of the Dead is a celebration of life where you remember your dead, such as the food and things they liked. No one very dear and close to me has died, but I like this tradition of creating altars.
Thinking about the celebration of life, I drew a dragon with very short fangs because to me, dragons mean life. My sister taught me how to draw dragons.
About me
I am 13 years old. My parents were born in Vietnam and I was born in the United States. I like to draw and play outside with my dogs and my friends.
I don't know if there is something similar to the Day of the Dead in Vietnam, I don't think so.
I like my school. I am a happy person.
Altar for Michael
By Aiden
When thinking about the people who have died, and who I admire, Michael Jackson came to mind.
Michael Jackson was a very famous singer. I like your songs. My favorites are Smooth Criminal, Thriller and Billie Jean.
I know Michael Jackson because I watch his videos on YouTube. I know he died on June 25, 2009.
One of the things I like most about Michael Jackson is his energy, that makes me think that he was someone full of life and that is why we should remember him.
I was born in San José and my parents were born in Laos, which is part of Asia.
Altar to my fish
I'm 14. I'm just another student at this school, that's all I want to say. I had a pet fish, and it died. I made this drawing thinking of him.
In the drawing I am also in the center, with a smile although I am not happy.
I remember Lil Peep
By Prince
Lil Peep was my favorite rapper. He was always a positive and kind person, who on November 15, 2017 died of a fentanyl overdose at the age of 21.
His music was always emotional and emotional. I still listen to his music.
Lil Peep liked to make videos with people.
About me.
I'm 12 years old. I like sports like volleyball and basketball.
Brush in my memories
By Veronica
I dedicate my drawing as an offering to Ricardo González, better known as CepillÃn.
CepillÃn was a very famous Mexican clown. He was an important person in my childhood and that of my family. I have heard many songs by him and they bring back memories.
My drawing is a sugar skull, with two big eyes, a nose and a smiling mouth, like CepillÃn smiled.
I'm 12 years old. My parents are originally from Mexico. In my free time I like to draw and play with my cell phone.
Offering to Martin Luther King Jr
Brian Lee
I want to remember and pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. I chose him because he was a great man who changed the rights for people of African descent.
King was a great person but sadly he was murdered by white people who didn't love him.
I think King should be remembered as an example of a good human being.
I'm 12 years old. I like to draw and play sports. I sleep and eat a lot.
Tribute to César Chávez
By Ana Luisa Flores Sánchez
This day I want to remember César Chávez, a Latino leader born in the United States who dedicated his life to fighting for justice for farm workers.
Chávez, along with Dolores Huerta, created the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), an organization to fight for the rights of farmers. This organization later joined with another and the United Farm Workers (UFW) was formed.
Chávez was a person who inspires me, which is why I wanted to remember him when we talk about remembering loved ones who have died.
I am 13 years old. I was born in the United States. I like to play soccer at school. I don't like my math class.
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