Cultural Life of el Segundo Barrio

      Segundo Barrio’s cultural life has always been intense, although outsiders have not perceived it in the same way. As proof of the vibrancy of the area, are the beautiful murals that represent the pride of the people living in the oldest barrio of the city, as well as the surprising number of artists that were born in Segundo and have gained national and international fame. Each generation has produced talented artists and writers. Among the visual artist are Manuel Acosta, José Antonio Burciaga, José Luis Jiménez, and Carlos Callejo. Celebrated writers include Mariano Azuela, Lalo Delgado, Ricardo Sánchez, Gloria López-Stafford, Carlos Muñoz, and many more. They have dedicated their work to their people, and determined to show the world, that such extraordinary visions can only emerge from El Segundo Barrio. Mariano Azuela initiated the tradition during the early twentieth century. He found a sanctuary on 609 Oregon Street and wrote the first novel about the Mexican Revolution titled The Underdogs. Azuela wrote fervently about the lives, dreams and aspirations of the poor, as they resisted the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz. As Azuela listened to the church bells ring from Sacred Heart, he probably had no idea that years later, his novel would be read and enjoyed by students worldwide. Later in 1969, Lalo Delgado wrote poetry inspired by the same revolutionary verses. “Stupid America” speaks out against the institutionalized racism and repression evident in segregated schools. Lalo not only protested with his artistic talent, but also initiated a hunger strike that lasted 30 days. He asserted that this sacrifice was so that “children from south El Paso do not have to grow up in tenements.”

     Lalo taught at various universities and received numerous awards. After his death, Lalo was named the first Laureate Poet of the city of Denver, in 2004.

     Ricardo Sánchez is another writer from Segundo Barrio that experienced oppression in the educational system in various ways. Perhaps his patience ran out when an Anglo teacher asked him what he wanted to do in the future. Ricardo answered that he would be a writer. The teacher responded by stating that people like Ricardo could only aspire to be street sweepers.

     Ricardo Sánchez proved his teacher and the world, wrong. His life was difficult, yet similar to that of many people of Mexican descent, also victims of oppression: he dropped out of school, he joined the military, and was imprisoned on two occasions. Ricardo’s writing style is impacting because he writes about lived experiences and his desire to end racism. In 1969, Ricardo received the Frederick Douglas journalism award and earned his doctoral degree without having completed high school. Canto y grito mi liberación is one of his more studied texts. Ricardo founded his own publishing company so he and other Chicanos could publish their work. In 1996, he participated in the Latin World Poets conference in Mexico City. He traveled continuously throughout Europe and the United States and utilized his poetry to fight for the Chicano cause.

     Women’s voices have also been prominent due to the strength and love they express for the people. Gloria López-Stafford represents women from Segundo Barrio. In 1996, she published her memoirs titled A Place in El Paso: A Mexican American Childhood. Her testimonial attests to the solidarity and affection the community held for each other, and together, watched over Gloria after her mother past away. She grew up during the 50s; full of mischief, music, games, and multi-flavored snow cones. After she left Segundo Barrio, a great sense of sadness came over her as she realized how deep her attachment to the community had become.

     In addition to having celebrated writers from the Segundo Barrio, the artistic landscape also includes accomplished muralists such as Carlos Callejo. He has dedicated his life to improve living standards for the community. The walls in south El Paso are symbolic of Callejo’s vision, as well as that of other muralists. They praise their indigenous roots and the popular knowledge that has been passed on through each generation. Carlos wants his work to represent the dreams and aspirations of Mexican American children. He explains that many of his images are about,

     Other generations of artists have ancestral ties to the Segundo Barrio. For example, Sergio Troncoso states, “my grandparents were Dolores Rivero and José Rivero. She is the main character in my last short story, “La Abuelita,” which appeared in my book The Last Tortilla and Other Stories.” Ricardo Aguilar Melantzón, author of Que es un soplo la vida, which narrates the life of his family in Segundo Barrio.

     And we could keep counting the invaluable lives that have been influenced by love, the colors, and flavors of the Segundo Barrio. These same lives have been a source of extraordinary cultural expression. We hope artists will continue to emerge and develop in this neighborhood, which has proved to be fertile soil for talent.