Reclaiming Roots & Returning Home with Cecily Relucio
Explicit content warning
10/27/24 • 62 min
What does it mean to find hope and resilience amid life's darkest moments? Journey with us as I sit down with Cecily Relucio, whose story of overcoming adversity is both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Cecily opens up about her parents' immigration from the Philippines to a predominantly white, rural town in Illinois during the mid-1960s, facing cultural alienation and the harsh realities of living in a Sundown Town. She also shares her personal experiences with gender-based violence and the trauma of witnessing her mother's abuse, all while maintaining an unyielding pursuit of safety, love, and community.
Cecily's powerful narrative doesn't stop at personal hardship. She delves into the broader implications of structural violence, gaslighting, and the pervasive influence of colonial and imperial systems carried through her bloodline in the US. Her journey of recognizing her own agency amid adversity is a testament to the transformative power of self-love and community. We explore the critical role of reclaiming indigenous knowledge and fostering connections to land and life as sacred, linking personal empowerment to collective resistance against systemic oppression.
In this episode, Cecily also reveals the significance of reclaiming ancestral wisdom for liberation. She discusses her work of founding Umuwi and the crucial role of ethnic studies in developing critical consciousness. We talk about the necessity for BIPOC educators to practice decolonized, re-indigenized ways of knowing and the importance of creating spaces of safety, connection, and wholeness. Lastly, we reflect on the value of divine guidance, community support, and self-mastery in the healing process, drawing inspiration from the historical solidarity between Black and Brown communities. Join us for a profound conversation about resilience, agency, and the power of collective care and storytelling.
F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM
Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email [email protected].
What does it mean to find hope and resilience amid life's darkest moments? Journey with us as I sit down with Cecily Relucio, whose story of overcoming adversity is both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Cecily opens up about her parents' immigration from the Philippines to a predominantly white, rural town in Illinois during the mid-1960s, facing cultural alienation and the harsh realities of living in a Sundown Town. She also shares her personal experiences with gender-based violence and the trauma of witnessing her mother's abuse, all while maintaining an unyielding pursuit of safety, love, and community.
Cecily's powerful narrative doesn't stop at personal hardship. She delves into the broader implications of structural violence, gaslighting, and the pervasive influence of colonial and imperial systems carried through her bloodline in the US. Her journey of recognizing her own agency amid adversity is a testament to the transformative power of self-love and community. We explore the critical role of reclaiming indigenous knowledge and fostering connections to land and life as sacred, linking personal empowerment to collective resistance against systemic oppression.
In this episode, Cecily also reveals the significance of reclaiming ancestral wisdom for liberation. She discusses her work of founding Umuwi and the crucial role of ethnic studies in developing critical consciousness. We talk about the necessity for BIPOC educators to practice decolonized, re-indigenized ways of knowing and the importance of creating spaces of safety, connection, and wholeness. Lastly, we reflect on the value of divine guidance, community support, and self-mastery in the healing process, drawing inspiration from the historical solidarity between Black and Brown communities. Join us for a profound conversation about resilience, agency, and the power of collective care and storytelling.
F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM
Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email [email protected].
Previous Episode
Cultivating Hope Through Community and Love with José Rico
How does one cultivate hope amid systemic oppression and cultural erasure? Join me, on "Hope Dealer," as we embark on a powerful journey through stories of love, resilience, and community. I am interviewed by my compañera, Cecily Relucio, as we honor the indigenous lands of San Diego and pay tribute to my late Tio Cosme, whose tireless work embodies the spirit of sacrifice and familial pride, challenging xenophobic narratives with a celebration of collective well-being and cultural strength.
Experience the profound transformation as I reflect on crossing borders and navigating identity in the face of internal colonization in the U.S. Growing up in Chicago, I reflect on the systemic efforts to marginalize Mexican heritage and the incredible perseverance of those who remain rooted in their cultural values. Witness my community's resistance to fear and oppression, from gang violence and immigration raids to the empowering moments of pride like the Mexican Independence Day parade, and the crucial role of activists in fostering safety and empowerment.
Finally, we delve into the systemic issues that continue to affect us, from capitalism to racism, and the pressing need for healing and spiritual resilience. Embrace the concept of being a "Hope Dealer," focusing on building a tribe of trust and love to create transformative experiences. Hear about the historical unity of Black and Brown communities and the importance of collective action in combating oppression. As we honor the past and look towards the future, this episode serves as a call to reignite our spirits through hope, love, and community.
F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM
Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email [email protected].
Next Episode
Journey of Resilience and Power of Faith with Eré Rendón
What can we learn from the immigrant right's movement's 30 years fight for human dignity, at this moment? We will learn what drives those leaders and community to keep resisting. Eréndira Rendón's journey from Oaxaca, Mexico to the United States is a tale of courage and determination, emerging as a beacon of hope for many facing similar paths. Through her compelling narrative, Eré illuminates the profound perseverance found in immigrant life, sharing her family's trials in crossing borders and living undocumented in Wisconsin. Her story offers not only inspiration but also a testament to the internal drive that defines many immigrant experiences, reminding us of the resilience required to pursue a better life.
As we explore themes of spirituality and community, Eré and I discuss the significant role faith has played in shaping our purposes and driving activism. From her beginnings in a small Mexican town to becoming a leader for immigrant rights, Eré reveals how engaging in church activities became a foundation for courage and public involvement, especially for women. This episode highlights the liberating power of storytelling and the vital importance of activism, centering on how personal and community liberation fueled her commitment to advocating for immigrant rights.
Turning our focus to the political landscape, we address the challenges the Mexican community in Illinois faces in achieving political representation and participation. With concerns about voter turnout and political mistrust, we explore the potential for change through the rising influence of younger generations and the emergence of young Latino elected leaders. Despite these hurdles, there is an undercurrent of optimism as we celebrate incremental victories in social justice, emphasizing the strength found in community support and the essential role of self-care in sustaining the fight for change.
F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM
Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email [email protected].
Hope Dealer with José Rico - Reclaiming Roots & Returning Home with Cecily Relucio
Transcript
Buenas familia , soy Jose , Rico or Rico , if you know me from the hood . Thank you so much for your attention today . It means everything to me and I want to welcome you to Hope Dealer , which is a podcast about our journey towards hope , resilience and joy through the stories that we carry about our return home , and my intention for our time together is to remind us that we
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