What it means to Revolt!
What does REVOLT mean to BIPOC+A (Black, Indigenous, People of color & Allies consciousness? The word “Revolt” carries deep historical and cultural significance. It can represent resistance against systemic oppression, colonialism, racism, and economic exploitation. Revolt is not just about violent uprisings-it’s also including the preservation of cultural aspects, artistic expression, grassroots organizing, and reclaiming narratives that have been erased or suppressed. Looking back into history has always included rebellion, resistance, civil rights and anti-colonial struggles facing contemporary contexts that manifests revolt through activism, mutual aid, Indigenous sovereignty efforts, cultural revitalization, and economic independence.
Photos are taken by Soso-Akalesh and Stacy Stout
Artistic expression is one of the many ways I use to convey my thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. When I had the opportunity to contribute to an event hosted by Mixed Roots Collectives with Muse Gallery, I knew I had to show up not just as an artist but with the intent to honor Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez. One of the documentaries was sent to me to gain a better understanding of the Revolt Event at Muse Gallery. As I watched the documentary in one sitting, it inspired me to create a piece that represents his legacy from the 1960s onward. Although Cha Cha Jimenez passed away this January, this has given me even more purpose and challenged me to create a piece in his honor.
Here is the link to the documentary: The Young Lords of Lincoln Park — A Chicago Stories Documentary
(I do not own the copyrights of the video/documentary)
The image below is one of many digital artworks I created while contemplating how to perceive the final art piece. In doing so, I realized I needed to let the process evolve naturally, and so it did. I was happy and eager to share it with the community at the event.
*I will have prints available soon in my shop! And 20% will be given to an organization that have similar values as Cha Cha did. This way, I can honor him in other formats to serve the community.
Chairman Fred Hampton said “our work was not like a theater. White activists must not just be entertained, by Black, Puerto Rican and other oppressed nationalists, but must also organize within their own communities to fight against racism.”
“Ours is not about individuals but a people’s struggle led by the common folk.” -Chairman Jose Cha Cha Jimenez
At the event, the energy was high. With several local artists, poetry, table vendors, and community members, Muse Gallery was packed. Curiosities were buzzing, focus was on, and viewers were engaged in conversations about the artwork. I knew this was the start of something beautiful, creating many great and positive memories to carry us through the difficult years ahead. It felt like an investment of engagement and dedication, as if we were at a celebratory BBQ party. LOL. The highlight of the event was the dialogue between Sammy P. and Mr. Brooks' performance. I could visualize what it would have looked like if Cha Cha were sharing his last moments on earth. The script was truthful and meaningful, embracing the concept of audio arts speaking to our hearts and resonating with every word spoken. I felt touched, and tears rolled down my cheeks as my heart opened to the possibility of allowing this honor to become anchored in my soul when considering the simplicity of ‘how do I give back to the community?’
I hope this fire burning within does not die out or get low but rather increases with the purpose to do more than just speak. To allow our actions to bring forth love and unity. To bring forth commitment and discipline. To bring forth togetherness rather than division. Finding that ‘one song’ melody to connect all hearts and beat as one.
Dear Mr. Jimenez,
Blessed are those who have worked alongside you, who have encountered your presence and values, and who shared similarities with your vision for a better future for us all. I wish I could have been there to meet you in this timeline of life, but I know for sure that your work has deeply inspired me to be better in all that I do and to give more effort to unite rather than allow enemies of all forms, shapes, or degrees to destroy the common people's hearts. Thank you for all that you have done, and blessed are those who have taken your torch to drive and thrive forward. May you rest in power and in peace. May you continue to watch over your people and all those involved in creating a decent place for us all.
Thanks to Sammy P., Mr. Brooks, and other organizations who continue to believe in justice for humanity and continue to impact our communities with strength, love, and peace.