“We just got back from our 62nd delegation to Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña in Mexico! I would like to personally thank you for making this life-changing experience possible. It was an amazing trip where all of the delegates bonded with each other, and took immediate action by attending the Texas Tribune to put pressure on Congressman O’Rourke to vote “NO” on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement which will effect laborers worldwide. As for the delegation, the best way for me to express my feelings is through a poem I wrote on the way back to the U.S.
I’ve crossed American soil
The fine line that divides poverty between the land of opportunity
I’ll always remember my Mexican sisters across the border, but will I practice what they preach?
Or pretend I’m someone I’m not cut out to be?
Forget my identity and sell my culture
For more money, more power
Y todo para qué?
For white recognition and my goals met
Because when I cross the border all anyone sees is a nopal on my forehead
And when I’m in Mexico all they see is proud to be an American
Because they’ve oppressed my ancestors and this is why they fight
For their children to have a better life
Yet, I’m already living the American Dream and still don’t feel white
A Xicana girl living in a “i’m not good enough” world
Lost in my own identity with a foot in each door
But, this is why solidarity exists
To break down power structures
And stand together, in justice and peace
For a better world to exist
I am Mexican American
And no one can take this from me
Born into a cruel world, but we are all human beings
This is our commonality that lets us stand in solidarity.
I believe everyone should be able to personally experience a border delegation.
In Solidarity, Priscilla Luera
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