Danny Stange de Acatl
Posted March 20 2025
Yo Soy Chicano. The feeling of community and the collective momentum is what pulls my heart strings and impels me to sacrifice my time and a little discomfort. Walking with purpose is much more satisfying than just exercise. Chicanos? We exercise our rights! And yes, I got a big belly because I have not been walking as much as I did in my youth, but when we feel the emotional fears of the neighbors and family friends; It’s time to get on the good foot.
March 16th 2025, the Chicano Community gathered their seasoned warriors and Aztec dancers and led a procession along the west Colfax bridge; from Paco Sánchez Park and around Corky Gonzalez Library straight to the west steps of the State Capitol. Close to 400 people were singing, chanting and praying for the collective voice of our nation. Descendants of the original people on this continent. We have seen two major invasions and still cling to the notion of freedom. Our community has defended the values of the U.S. Constitution at the peril of our own survival.
We fought in ALL wars to defend and expand the ideals of democracy. We still believe in the power of the people. We have seen the hypocrisy of mainstream media and political discourse at the federal and state levels that has become ridiculous. So, we brought together a message to rekindle that old flame of Justice. Crusaders of the next generation are being called forth. The situation impels us to stand for something or we will fall for anything.
The situation impels us to stand for something or we will fall for anything.
The laundry list of grievances that our pueblo could invoke would fill this publication and the tears it would inspire would surely make people turn away. Action requires a strong feeling that perhaps was inspired by a thought or a belief. We collectively feel the angst of transformation and our sense of justice propels us forward. Changing our mind is the first simple step and there are so many steps ahead when we march together. If people rise up the game of thrones will crumble like a house of cards. And only our fears and lack of confidence, are what holds so many of us back.
The revolution might not be televised, but there are too many images in our digital world that we could deny being in the presence of a revolution today. Strangely the majority of people believe that their revolution is centered on having anger or despise of another American. Some also think the economic power and the wealth inequities are at the root of our woes. Still, some find the division of religious and cultural differences at the heart of this struggle. All the while turning their views to the ‘other’. To that outside of the self. That someone who is trying to meddle with your vision and ambitions.
America has become the great Individual and we place bets on who can stay on the top of the pedestal longest. The vision of freedom that was kindled here so many generations ago was replaced with the ideology that every man is his own king and his home is his castle. Yet, those who build the structures and those who produce the sustenance that every home requires is only gained through the collective efforts. There is no movement without the people, there is no justice without the Pueblo. We should remember the words of the Mayan – In Lak Etch. Tu eres mi otro yo – you are my other me. When I do harm to you. I hurt myself. When I love you, I heal myself. To understand our collectiveness is like the cells of the human organ. To the planet our Mother Earth. We have a proper role, and we have a function. Like the organs of your body work together to keep you alive. We humans have a function that could make this world into a beautiful paradise.
Original people of this western hemisphere had cultivated the natural environment as well as the principles of freedom. We showed the pilgrims and the priests how to commune without a monarchy and without the rule of force. But they saw the treasure in our minerals and delicious foods and delicate medicines. They forgot the lessons and ignored the wisdom of our gifts. So once again, it behooves the generations that have kept the knowledge and followed practices in self discipline and communal respect. They must rise again, and yes we do see them among the marches and among the board rooms and in policy governance teams. In prayer runs and in danza feathers, in sweat lodges and sun-dances, they build bridges that connect people.
It is not only progressive, because it must rekindle ancestral wisdom. It is somewhat evolution but then goes back like a revolution. Just as the sun’s path returns to the east every dawn and then rests in the west. Breath deep and know our collective consciousness is preparing us. We do not need great leaders that will talk on podiums of lobbyist’s dreams. We can feel the motions of the cosmic forces. The elements live within us and we are going to put forth into the world exactly what the universe will give us in return. We never need to question our judgement. We focus on healing the heart and then we will always know what has to be done.
You are not alone. Somos America no solo Americanos. We are one people and those who try to divide us will only bring us closer together. Listen to your heart and not your mind. Put your phone away a few more times each day and listen to the wind. Watch the children and smell the roses. Touch another person’s spirit and taste the rainbow of opportunities. I believe in US.
Will you?
Danny Stange de Acatl is a Denver Native and Cultural activist that serves his community on various levels.
