During my last semester at Brandeis University, I was nominated to be one of the graduate commencement speaker for the all student graduation. Though I was a finalist I was not selected. I wanted to share my commencement speech with folks. I reflected a lot on my time at Brandeis, the circumstances we dealt withContinue reading “The Arc Towards Justice”
Author Archives: MarielaRebelde
An Installment
We are numbers on a pageExceptNot everyone has the privilege of being countedWe are counted in installmentsWhen politically convenient and palpable We are not counted when our numbers challenge the party in powerWe are actively silencedPartitioned into Jerrys, our souls divided for their managingWe are allowed to vote only when it is profitable Yet theContinue reading “An Installment”
Endurance, Persistence, and Resilience!”
El Residente from Calle 13 is one of my favorite artists. To commemorate the UN International Day of Peace I translated, wrote & virtually performed this piece titled “Endurance, Persistence, and Resilience!” It is part translation and modern adaptation of Calle 13, El Aguante song. You can find a video of the recording here. MyContinue reading “Endurance, Persistence, and Resilience!””
Exiled and Deplorable: Felons
What is the greatest social equalizer? Is it our income, the level of education we have received, the economic assets we hold, or the spaces and opportunities we are able to access? I say it is our legal status. Whichever one you may believe is the greatest equalizer across race, gender, age, and ability—we canContinue reading “Exiled and Deplorable: Felons”
Para mi tía feminista
Para mi tía feminista,
Me ensenaste que era mi vulva,
Reconociendo cada parte de mi cuerpo que me decían no podía nombrar en publico
No me dijiste de masturbar, pero me la presentaste,
Como ofrendas para los dioses y santos
Mariela
My name is Mariela It is pronounced as ma-ri-e-la Not mary-ela, not ma-ri-la, not ela or marila Trust me it used to seem hard and unimportant to me as well I remember in 10th grade while my history teacher was taking attendance on the first day of class, he pronounced my name as ma-ri-e-la (correctly)Continue reading “Mariela”
Borrowed Words
Words, we’ve spent a life time using them, years learning them and our education mastering them and forgetting others. And often words become like tissue, veiled things we use to cover ourselves with, only to discard without a moment of reflection. Honored guests, peers, family members, professors, administration and trustees… I am about to speakContinue reading “Borrowed Words”
Previous Blog: Pursuing Peace in Uganda
On November 4th, 2017 I began my Peace Corps service in Uganda. At the start of my service I decided I wanted a space where I could document my experiences and have them visible for friends and family to read. However, I soon realized my experiences weren’t as flowery and easy to convey over aContinue reading “Previous Blog: Pursuing Peace in Uganda”
To Block or not to Block
To block or not to blockWhether Tis more nobler to suffer the stings and errors of right wing extremist or to block and therefore put an end to all uncomfortable interactions with that sort.But what is life but a mixture of discomfort and growth.Should we nip the bud of discomfort in fear of a toxicContinue reading “To Block or not to Block”
Veiled Thoughts 