Reclaiming Cinco de Mayo with Dolores Huerta

Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly more popular in the U.S. while often disregarding the history of this celebration of Mexican resistance and culture.

The date actually stems from a revolutionary moment after Mexico tried to suspend foreign debt. During the 1862 Battle of Puebla, a small grassroots group of Mexican soldiers claimed victory over the invading and heavily-armed French military of thousands. The holiday actually commemorates a developing nation's resistance to the lending practices of wealthier foreign countries.

Today the holiday has been reduced into a date for partying and drinking, second only to St. Patrick’s Day as the biggest holiday for alcohol consumption in the U.S.

Join us as feminist icon and legendary labor leader, Dolores Huerta, underscores the importance of reclaiming Cinco de Mayo.

Dolores will delve into the true significance of the holiday, lifting up themes of anti-oppression and empowerment as well as how we can honor Mexican cultural values without appropriating them. A founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and co-founder of the United Farmworkers Union, Dolores will draw on her decades of experience as an organizer and her background as a dancer, pianist, and lover of jazz.

TICKETS ARE SLIDING SCALE $5 - $25 to benefit speakers and artists impacted by the cancellation of events due to the pandemic. All who register will receive a link to watch live or later at their own convenience.

Closed caption version will be available 3-4 days after the live event.

Want some background on Dolores Huerta prior to the May 5th event? Watch the powerful documentary film, "Dolores," and learn how this acclaimed activist came to commit her life to social justice.
MORE INFO ON HOW TO WATCH THE FILM HERE.