Episode 50: Remembering Dr. Cintli w/ Juan Tejeda!
Aug 15, 2023
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Juan Tejeda, retired professor of Mexican American Studies and Music from Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas joins the podcast to discuss the legacy of Roberto 'Dr. Cintli' Rodriguez. They pay tribute to him and explore topics like indigenous identity, activism, ancestral foods, and the significance of corn as a symbol of indigenous connections. They also touch on the resistance against erasure of the Chicano identity and the importance of embracing diversity and disagreements.
Representation matters, and as indigenous Chicano people, it is imperative for us to produce our own media and tell our own stories.
The passing of Dr. Cynthia L. Rodriguez has deeply affected the Chicano community, and his work as a journalist and scholar has left a lasting impact.
The word 'Chicano' represents resistance, defiance, and a reaffirmation of our Mexican heritage and indigenous roots. The term has faced opposition and attempts to suppress its significance.
Deep dives
The importance of producing our own media and telling our own stories
Representation matters, and as indigenous Chicano people, it is imperative for us to produce our own media and tell our own stories.
The impact and legacy of Dr. Cynthia L. Rodriguez
The passing of Dr. Cynthia L. Rodriguez has deeply affected the Chicano community, and his work as a journalist and scholar has left a lasting impact.
The Chicano identity and the war on the word 'Chicano'
The word 'Chicano' represents resistance, defiance, and a reaffirmation of our Mexican heritage and indigenous roots. The term has faced opposition and attempts to suppress its significance.
The psychological war and erasure of Chicano identity
There has been a concerted effort, driven by money and media, to erase Chicano identity and promote a European-based Hispanic culture, resulting in a psychological war against our indigenous roots.
Remembering Dr. Cynthia L. Rodriguez and his contributions
Dr. Cynthia L. Rodriguez was a renowned journalist, writer, and public intellectual, dedicated to advocating for Chicanos and indigenous people. His legacy lives on through his numerous publications and influential work.
We are joined by Juan Tejeda of Aztlan Libre Press to discuss the legacy and impact of Roberto "Dr. Cintli" Rodriguez, who recently passed away in Mexico. In tribute, we have a group reading of Roberto's groundbreaking essay "Who declared war on the word Chicano?"
Our Guest:
Juan Tejeda retired in 2016 as a professor of Mexican American Studies and Music from Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. A musician, writer, arts administrator and Xicano activist, from 1976 to 1985 he was the jefe segundo of Xinachtli, the first traditional Mexica-Azteca Conchero dance group in Texas; and from 1980 to 1998 he was the Xicano Music Program Director at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio. He is the button accordionist and vocalist with the Conjunto Aztlan, and along with his wife, Anisa Onofre, is the co-owner and publisher of Aztlan Libre Press.
Your Hosts:
Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios. @kurlytlapoyawa
Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.