The altar of MORE

The spiritual or religious practice of MÁS members and the African diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean is very diverse. The participation of MÁS in this annual exhibition at the Centro de la Raza is an honor and an act of spiritual and community union.

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The theme that the Centro de la Raza chose for the twelfth edition of its exhibition of altars for the Day of the Dead was “voting.” Voting is defined as the official choice that individuals make by casting their vote, raising their hands, or announcing their choice aloud. While Afro-descendants were not allowed to participate in elections until recent years and their demands have been historically suppressed, there have been individuals who raised their voices through action. MÁS offers a tribute to those Latinos of African descent who dedicated their lives to fighting for social justice with a commitment to their roots and empowering their communities. The altar of MÁS celebrates the contributions of some of our leaders who inspired us to feel proud, to recognize our history and common cultural roots, and to continue working for social change and racial equity. We are stronger together.

Some of our heroes that we honor here: Berta Cáceres (Honduras, 1971 – 2015), María Elena Moyano Delgado (Peru, 1958 – 1992), Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo (Dominican Republic, 1879 – 1947), Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (Puerto Rico, 1874 – 1938), Nicomedes Santa Cruz (Peru, 1925 – 1992), Victoria Santa Cruz (Peru, 1922 – 2014), Juan Gualberto Gómez Ferrer (Cuba, 1854 –1933), Jaime Hurtado González (Ecuador, 1937 – 1999), Charles Z. Smith (Florida, 1927 – Seattle, 2016), San Martín de Porres (Peru, 1579–1639), Jean-Michel Basquiat (New York, 1960–1988), Pedro Camejo “Black First” (Venezuela, 1790– 1821), and Carlos Orta (Venezuela 1944–2004).

For more information visit the Centro de la Raza page