Above Photo: This is a group photo from our field trip to meet farm workers and talk to them about their lives and working/living conditions. It is important that when fighting for other people, you hear their voice and only use yourself as a means of projecting it.
Escuelita Aztlán is a Xicano Saturday school run by Union del Barrio (UdB). In this school, we learn about the power of nuestro pueblo, attend MEChA or Xicano youth conferences, discuss the Mexican-American perspective of historical and current events, and learn how to organize against oppression in a society that does not stand up for all it's people. We also get involved in events like Chicano Park Day, marches like the Laborer march on May 1st 2017, and learn about defending our gente from the ones who are taking action in and out of UdB. Becoming a part of this in 2016 was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From it, I have learned so much about the long history of la lucha, which has led to me becoming a more empowered individual. Empowerment really does come from knowing one's roots and knowing what they are capable of. I have graduated one year of Escuelita, gaining roughly 50 hours of community service, but more importantly a community to stand with. I will continue to be a part of Escuelita as a student or UdB member for years to come.