Community Activists Respond to a Very Real Hypothetical
By Brent E. Beltrán
Barrio Logan’s national landmark, Chicano Park, is sacred space to the multitude of people that visit every year. It is the epicenter of Chicanx art and culture in San Diego and “el ombligo de Aztlán” as poetic wordmaestro alurista once wrote.
After the white supremacist terror in Charlottesville, Virginia I thought about what I would do if nazis and white supremacists decided to hold a rally in Chicano Park, steps away from my home.
Attacks by white supremacists and right wing groups are not something new to Chicano Park. The Minutemen tried to protest Chicano Park Day and cowered behind a police line, having to be escorted to their cars.
In the darkness of night religious fanatics have vandalized murals depicting Mesoamerican gods. Cuban exile extremists have spray painted slogans and paint bombed imagery of the Cuban Revolution. And most recently social media threats by the KKK directed at Chicano Park the night before Trump’s rally at the convention center.
Chicano Park Takeover mural.
Knowing this history it didn’t take much thinking on my part. I would fight and help organize others to do the same. But, I wondered, what would others do knowing that this isn’t an unreal possibility? So I asked a few of my friends, what would you do if nazis and white supremacists tried to hold a rally in Chicano Park?
“If Nazis and white supremacists tried holding a rally at Chicano Park, I would protest it and I’m certain that many organizations that have struggled in this community and park, would come together to do so as well. It is my duty as an activist and resident of Barrio Logan to protect my community, including Chicano Park, this is our land! Last year, a day before Trump came to San Diego, Chicano Park got threats from the KKK, myself along with other Mechistas and students from San Diego City College were at the park making posters for the Trump protest when we read Union del Barrio’s status saying that the KKK wanted to harm our park. We decided to stay and be vigilant to whatever they were planning to do. That evening, many activists showed up from the Brown Berets of Aztlán, to Unión del Barrio, MEChA de SDCC, and many others, ready to protect our parque. We didn’t know what the consequences were going to be, but we knew that our task was to keep our community safe, protect our park and murals. By having our presence there, by coming together as a community, our efforts showed and the racist threat was called off.” – Joanie Lopez, Barrio Logan resident/activist
“The white terrorists are feeling pretty emboldened right now. But, as dumb as they are, I have to believe they aren’t that dumb. If, however, they did come to Chicano Park, I’d most likely end up in jail.” – Mark Lane, activist
“To me Chicano Park is sacred ground and in the midst of this spirituality it should not be allowed. And in regard to our history of takeover and current historical status, they can go to hell.” – Victor Ochoa, Chicano Park co-founder/muralist
“Stand for our park!!! Not allow it!!!! Call out for all Raza to stand alongside me!!” – Tina Camarillo, Chicano Park Steering Committee
“Chicano Park, as is The People’s Lot, is a sacred pocket of resistance that will always be protected. We would utilize our CommUnity Vanguard Colectivo to protect the sanctity of the park, as it has been protected from invaders throughout its history.” – Francisco Mendoza, People Over Profits-SD
“The fascist cowards won’t dare come to our neighborhoods. They would be swarmed by a sea of people. This is why I feel semi-safe in my neighborhood. I know nazis won’t come here. And if they do, I know my neighbors and I will be ready. We are not here to understand nazis, we don’t consider hate speech free speech. If they try to spew hate speech at Chicano Park, they better hope the cops help them.” – Rafael Bautista, San Diego Tenants United
“I don’t think they have enough balls to even try that, but if they did, I’d be there ready to fight.” – Anabel Arauz, labor organizer/Las Tres Hermanas
“If nazi’s come to Chicano Park, I will stand. I will sing the songs of my ancestors and lift up sacred smoke. I will pray for strength and seek out the humanity of those who hate me as I stare fearlessly into their eyes. I will honor the Kumeyaay, first people of this land, and protect our sacred spaces. I will call on my family, friends and neighbors to stand with me. And we will not be moved.” – Olympia Andrade Beltrán, Barrio Logan resident/activist
“I would stand arm and arm with my brothers and sisters to prevent any nazi’s from stepping on our sacred ground!!” – Chris Zertuche, La Bodega Gallery and Studios
“The barrios of San Diego have a proud history of standing up against injustice. I am sure that if fascists and white supremacists dare to desecrate Chicano Park, one of the jewels of the Chicano Movement, considered sacred and historic land, I will be joining thousands of folks who will not allow hate to march unopposed. I know our communities will do everything in their power to protect Chicano Park in order to ensure that it continues to stand –as a testament to the power of the people in the face of oppression– for generations to come.” – Christian Ramirez, activist/District 8 City Council Candidate
“I would oppose nazis and white supremacists in our sacred homeland because they represent the complete opposite of the historical context of Chicano Park. Chicano Park is a statement of self-determination, equality, justice, respect, and love. Their presence in Chicano Park would represent violence and ugliness. That is why we need the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center to open in the park to educate on the true cultural, historical and scientific significance of Chicano Park and the Monumental Murals in San Diego, the region and the nation.” – Josie Talamantez, Barrio Logan resident/Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center
There wasn’t a single person that responded that wouldn’t come to the aid of Chicano Park. Each may have different methods to oppose any potential threat by white supremacists but all agree that our park is worth defending.
Brent E. Beltrán
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Brent writes again …
Thanks, Franklin! Felt good after I posted.
I’d like to know … what has been your response now that you know for fact that a right wing fascist group wants to try to take over the park!! I have done my part in sending out the word every way possible.. but what city council men/ ppl have been activated, which groups have been put into motion knowing that this type of event had been planned by the right wing fascists?
Fighting 😭 from this article! Then pride rocks the soul! All are welcome to our holy park but hate will meet a mighty force!
Just tell me what time to be there. I would lock arms with all the people that would be there to defend not only our park but our dignity.
Please add to my comment I am 70 years old but no way in hell would I sit this one out.
Right on, Maria!
City Heights would be presente!
Orale!
As the proud grandson of Polish immigrants, I would take my Louisville Slugger and introduce them to American lumber 👊🏻💪🏻 . Tom Ryan
Fighting nazis is as American as baseball! Thank you for standing with us, Tom!
I was there at the very beginning and I’m be there if this happened.
I know you will!
Honestly folks. If they were just there to protest and not cause any damage then they should be allowed. I believe it would show and make a better image of the community and what we stand for if we show that we ARE inclusive and WILL ALLOW this IN SPITE of who they are and what THEY represent. Its my personal opinion but Chicano Park is what the community has made of it. Its not truly “holy” ground and none of our ancestors are buried there. Its a place were we gather and enjoy life and our culture. If these neos or alts on any side want to gather there for a day of protest – I know they wouldn’t be stupid enough to do damage. I would hope that when we walk and protest for what we believe in – so long as there is no damage done – we too should be allowed to protest where ever we want… oh wait… we already have and we already do. FOLKS LETS NOT ALLOW THEM TO DEFINE US. We are a welcoming community right – then we too must also show we can/will welcome all. Expect to get what we give and give what we would expect to get. We are all Americans and we are no worse and no better if we do as they do and then complain about what they do and where they do it! My two cents
We define ourselves by defending our community, culture and our sacred spaces. There’ll be no shelter here for nazis and white supremacists.
Alrigty then – You said protest – what exactly are you defending? Now you need to be real – are you actually taking on a gang mentality too. You don’t own the land, its not your’s to defend. “Sacred spaces” – really it used to be a dirt lot. I’m a fourth generation American – in San Diego – of Mexican decedents too. Your question was if they desired to protest not seek shelter – not cause damage. No need to respond – as with most things in life not everyone will agree with you.. or me. We can therefore agree to disagree. How do you ask a question in a public place knowing not everyone is always going to agree with you.
No quarter for hate speech, y mucho menos for ojetes advocating the destruction of the murals and the park itself. And another thing, you are dead wrong when you say no one is buried there. many many compañer@s ashes have been scattered their and blood spilled defending the space, so yes it is sacred. However we choose to defend it, you need not be involved if it upsets your liberal sensibilities.