telling the story of why they do the jobs that they do – the jobs that the rest of América won’t do. After researching, talking with my own family and other immigrant families – of all ethnic backgrounds – and one common theme is that they are all searching for the ‘American Dream’ or the betterment of their family,” explained the artist.
“I noticed this with my dad – when we would go to México to visit family, he was able to spend time with us and he was relaxed, but when we would come back to the states, he was always working and continuously stressed and under a lot of pressure,” noted Díaz. “When I asked him about this, he said, ‘yes, all I do is work when we’re here’.”
These mixed media art pieces all display the indistinct profile or shadow of the migrant worker using newspaper clippings from news headlines and stories about immigration; immigration politics; poverty; violence in México. Underneath the newsprint figures, Díaz used wood as a medium, which represents the enduring strength of the migrant worker and the complexities of their lives.
“How can I honor these people who are not recognized in society?” he asked. “My point is not necessarily to have people agree with me, but to give them perspectives for understanding.”
The art piece entitled, “Levicitus 19:34” refers to scripture which states that you should treat foreigners as if they are native-born, and love them as you would love yourself because you were once a foreigner as well. The work shows the figures of migrant day laborers waiting on the corner looking for work. The figures are purposefully placed in front of an upscale organic farmers market in an upscale neighborhood, calling attention to the irony of the cheap labor
...
Deported U.S. Veterans create art on border wall
“They released me like a baboon into the wild,” said Murillo, 35.
His deportation was scheduled for noon, yet it was nearly midnight when he crossed into his country of birth and realized that he had nowhere to go.
The U.S. Navy veteran felt abandoned by the government for which he had ...
President Obama’s visit sparks binational protests
During President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Mexico, hundreds of migrants and rights activists in four cities protested Obama’s deportation policies and called for inclusive, comprehensive immigration reform in the United States.
The Mesoamerican Migrant Movement joined Familia Latina Unida ...
Latinos at higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease
It is estimated that Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects over one million people in the US, with an estimated 60,000 new patients diagnosed each year. Studies reveal that Latinos have higher rates of developing Parkinson’s than other ethnic minority groups, at nearly double the rate. However, ...
Why Guantanamo hunger strike could be the last
SC: Why did you call your memoir "The General"?
AE: Because I was one of a limited number of prisoners at Guantanamo who spoke English, I was often forced to be an "unofficial leader" by guards and interrogators. They nicknamed me "the general."
SC: How were you released?
AE: I was released ...
“They released me like a baboon into the wild,” said Murillo, 35.
His deportation was scheduled for noon, yet it was nearly midnight when he crossed into his country of birth and realized that he had nowhere to go.
The U.S. Navy veteran felt abandoned by the government for which he had ...
view more videos
view more photos
El Semanario New Mexico 
El Chicago Hispano 
El Semanario