Open access PDF

doi.org/10.36284/celelon.oa8

ISBN: 978-1-951414-14-6

November 2024

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ISBN: 978-1-951414-15-3

Print Edition Coming Soon

Resistance is an act of courage and imagination, envisioning a world free of oppression and systemic inequities. Part 3: Student Letters on Envisioning Resistance explores the transformative power of collective and individual action in dismantling oppressive systems. Zachary Alvarado’s letter addresses urban youth, drawing on his experiences of police brutality and systemic neglect in underserved neighborhoods to inspire resilience, education, and advocacy. Jonathan Farrell’s “Dear Fellow Humxns” calls for intersectional awareness, joy, and active listening as tools for change. In Haiza Martinez’s “Dearest April,” she encourages her niece to embrace self-love, authenticity, and the fight for justice. Stephany Ramos’s “Hello Amor” reflects on the progress of LGBTQ+ advocacy while envisioning a future where love and acceptance triumph over discrimination. Jeralyn Bolanos, in her letter to a future great-grandchild, offers “self-love recipes” as tools for resisting oppression and continuing the fight for justice. These letters highlight the systemic nature of oppression and the importance of intersectionality, emphasizing self-love and collective care as essential acts of resistance. They offer readers a shared vision of a more compassionate and equitable world while inspiring action toward social transformation. 

Discussion Questions

  1. How do the letters in this section frame love, both self-love and collective care, as tools for resistance? 
  2. How do the authors balance envisioning a better future with confronting present-day injustices? 
  3. What is your vision for a more just and equitable future? What actions or strategies can you incorporate into your personal or professional life to contribute to dismantling oppressive systems?