This week we'll open up an exhibition of ofrendas again, the community artists have already put together their loving thoughts for the friends and relatives they wish to remember. Together, South Florida is relearning how to find ways to strengthen our connectedness to each other by knowing who we are, and sharing our stories across the many boundaries and barriers that too often keep us apart.
This month too, I'll offer a public workshop on the history, music and movements that come from our geographic and social relationship to Mesoamerica. It is so wonderful to sit here in this one spot and see all the connections there are to this place. History, maps, written accounts, people, objects, ideas... I see now why I needed to return here, there is so much to my own personal history that was stored away, waiting to be remembered, understood, from within the context of today.
We need to always fully utilize the resources we have available, and South Florida is most assuredly a media and ideas hub of the Americas. It's difficult to take a stand here on any item or even form an opinion because we are in a bed of hot political coals, and we never want to alienate potential donors, allies, funders... but there is so much that needs attention... Historic Preservation, Education, Arts Funding, not to mention water, climate change, and bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals.
We need a consistent, long term, multifaceted approach to keep each other motivated, on track and performing at our fullest. The good news is that there are lots of venues that are expanding to include multiple voices and perspectives using a variety of increasingly innovative methods.
All in all, it's been good to sit here and learn, observe, reflect and remember. I look forward to seeing everyone come by History Fort Lauderdale this month to spend some time reading the Ofrendas that have been built, and take a moment to contemplate what makes our own life worth living every day.
