California Lutheran University’s Sarah W. Heath Center for Equality and Justice displayed student-created ofrendas, blending the Day of the Dead with social justice issues.
The ofrendas created by Cal Lutheran students were focused on police brutality, Civil Rights activism, mental health, addiction awareness, and religious violence.
Ana Gorman, a senior at Cal Lutheran, said that she has never celebrated the Day of the Dead before, but is fascinated by the tradition.
“I like the thing about how Mexicans would put a friend’s picture up with candles, food, and pictures … because the Day of the Dead is that one time of the year when they can come back and visit,” Gorman said.
Gorman said that this was her first time seeing an ofrenda in person and that she loved the decorations added to each altar.
Luis Perez Jr., a senior at Cal Lutheran, said that he has celebrated the Day of the Dead similar to how it is seen celebrated in the media and appreciates the celebration.
“I just love being able to honor our ancestors, and it’s a great way to, like, not forget about them,” Perez said.
Perez also said that he likes the idea of being able to have conversations and interactions with family members who have passed as if they were still physically around.
Corbin Williams, a senior at Cal Lutheran, said that he grew up in a community where the Day of the Dead was celebrated, but he and his family never celebrated the holiday themselves.
“The Day of the Dead was something that my mother told me about, that it was very respectful and honoring our family,” Williams said. “If it wasn’t for this family member, you wouldn’t be here and so it’s just saying, like, it’s a history that goes down. Respecting one another and carrying on family legacy.”
Williams said the mental health ofrenda dedicated to Black issues captured his attention because of how impactful an issue it is. Williams said that there is a generational impact because, historically, minorities were brought to this country to be at the bottom.
Perez said the diversity within the ofrendas displayed at the Student Union shows that Latinos are not the only culture that can celebrate the Day of the Dead.
“I think, like, it’s a great way to, like, tie together, like, some common issues and just bring awareness,” Perez said.
