Feliz Dia de Resistencia! Cuauhtemoc Celebration This Weekend

Versed from WE WILL RISE by Kurly Tlapoyawa
Section 11- The Plague:

On April 21,1521, Hernan Cortez returned to Tenochtitlan, after previously invading and leaving behind a terrible smallpox epidemic, and began to lay siege of the great city- today known as Mexico City. He came with dozens of boats, each one equipped with a cannon. As they entered the surrounding areas of the city, The Mexica- today called Aztec- warriors met the Spaniards in full force. The battles were bloody, fast, and furious; Causing each side massive losses. But the superior fire power of the Spaniards, along with the weakened condition of the Mexica, gave the Europeans the upper hand. Bit by bit, battle after battle, sections of Tenochtitlan were isolated and overrun by Spanish forces.

Then, after mapping the clearest route through the canals surrounding Tenochtitlan, the Spaniards launched their boats from along the side of Texkoko. The heavily armed craft, blasted their way through the Mexica canoes sent to confront them. The slaughter was incredible. The white invaders used war horses, lances, guns, catapults, flesh-eating dogs, armor, cross bows, and their hunger for blood, and thus ensued an 8o day fight that left thousands of Mexica dead.

On August 13, 1521, Tenochtitlan finally fell to the Spaniards.

On our final day as a free people, the young Cuauhtemoc, the last heroic tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, made a declaration to the people and the day has since been declared a Dia de Resistencia or Day of Resistance, for Cuauhtemoc's words promised that a new day would rise for the Mexica people, our ancestors....for us.


This Saturday at Eastwood Park- 5000 Harrisburg, Houston TX, 77023- starting at 6pm- Come honor the resistance of one of our greatest leaders, Cuauhtemoc. We will be reading Cuauhtemoc's last mandate to the people of Mexiko, given originally 500 years ago today in remembrance that through our struggle as a Brown people, we have endured, and we will rise to our ancient knowledge and glory again.

Come for the palabra, stay for the danza!

Tomorrow, our seeds will grow...

...All we need is dedication. ~ Lauryn Hill

To continue on with the Eco-Friendly mindset that this past Earth Day set, OurDHStreets is taking this opportunity to introduce you to our Original Jardin series.
A small group of local activists have joined knowledge, time, and efforts to create a garden that features foods that are/were indigenous to the Mexica People (The 7 Warriors) and have opened the gates to us in an effort to share & trade information that they are learning and to promote backyard organic gardening to all gente.
In conjunction, OurDHStreets will be giving you updates through interviews, vids, and pictures on the progress of the garden & connect it to bigger eco/political-conscious efforts in Houston. Enjoy!

Please feel free to ask questions, leave comments, &/or advice for our learning gardeners.

WHY AN ORIGINAL JARDIN?
Several reasons. We've all seen what is happening in the grocery stores due to the current economy. Prices are going up and the quality of the produce available is going down. We are paying more for less and with many people now living under the constant pressure that they might lose their jobs..Well, it just adds more anxiety to our daily lives. We have land that is good to plant on and the reasons why not to ran out. The time has come to start planting. Not relying on 'the man' for our basic needs will get us to a more secure place. Having knowledge about the land and how plants grow will ensure that if/when prices inflate even more, we will still have access to foods we use regularly and conveniently out of our yards. Health-wise, if you are part of the process of creating it, you know what is inside of it. No additives, chemicals, non-pronounceables.
WHY THE 7 WARRIORS?
The 7 Warrior plants were the major crops of the Mexica (Pre-Spanish Inhabitants of Aztlan). The incredible thing about these foods is that they grow well together; Meaning, the environment created by each one directly and healthily affects the other. This makes them easy to grow with proper care. The 3 sister crops (corn, beans, squash) provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients to sustain the human body and the remaining 4 crops add in any missing elements. This makes for a healthy and more eco-friendly environment all in all- for yourself and the Earth.
WHAT PHASE IS THE ORIGINAL JARDIN IN NOW & WHAT'S NEXT?
The jardin came to be in a volunteered backyard that was not being used and was covered in high sprays of grass - seriously, the shortest activist was about a foot away from not being able to see anything back there! On March 7th, the yard was mowed and the top layer of grass was removed. Since then, the grass was mowed and the top layer removed, the soil was flipped and roots taken out, rows created, and maize planted. Last week marked about a month & a half since the project began and small developing maize leaves have begun to sprout in all but one row- that has been reserved for beans.
For now, we are watering and watching the maize take root & develop strong stems and as that develops we will be moving into the bean & squash phase of the project. Right now the jardin is semi-private, but as the crops and food manifest, so will our ability to reach out to the community to partake in the care and the amazing food that the jardin will provide.

Check back to watch the progress on the Original Jardin in DH- Houston & to find knowledge for starting your own organic garden.