November 2022 Edition

Culture & News

The Seri People

The Mexican state of Sonora is located on the west coast, near the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California). This region is home to the Seri people (whose name means “those who live in the sand”), an indigenous population. In pre-Hispanic times, they were often nomadic living on the mainland, on nearby islands, and the Sonoran Desert. They have survived historical persecution by both the Spanish Conquistadors and the Mexican military.¹ Today, they continue to maintain their cultural heritage through art, crafts, music, and language. They also practice a form of face painting that accentuates the eyes and cheekbones in a colorful geometric pattern.

The native tongue of the Seri is the cmiique iitom language, an isolate language, which has no other relatable language.² This language continues to be spoken by the Seri themselves and can be found in their songs. According to Robert Bitto of Mexico Unexplained (2020): “Today, schools in the two Seri towns teach in both the Spanish and Seri languages.  The United Nations has proclaimed the Seri language “vulnerable” which means it still has children speaking the language, but not so much outside the home.  Local leaders and the Mexican central government are confident that recent efforts to preserve Seri language and culture will allow one of the last indigenous groups faced with assimilation to continue their ancestral traditions for many generations to come.” ³

The Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) has been a vital lifeforce for the Seri people. It’s situated between the two western states of Sonora and Baja California (near the Pacific Ocean). This beautiful sea has schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. The sea turtle plays a very important role in Seri cultural heritage, as it is a part of their creation story and an ancestral source of food. In addition, the artist Graciela Iturbide who photographs her homeland of Mexico, includes the Seri in her work. Watch the videos posted below to learn more about the indigenous Seri people.

Bibliography

(1 ) “5 Facts About The Seri.” The History Junkie.com. Accessed October 29th, 2022. https://thehistoryjunkie.com/5-facts-about-the-seri-tribe/

(2, 3) Bitto, Robert. “Seri People, The Last to Assimilate.” Mexico Unexplained.com. September 20th, 2020. https://mexicounexplained.com/seri-people-the-last-to-assimilate/

Art/Film/Literature News

Amsterdam

The movie theaters are slowly making a come back after the pandemic lock-downs. I recently viewed the film Amsterdam (2022) starring Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington, with cameo appearances of Robert De Niro and Chris Rock. The film circles around three friends: an eccentric doctor, a free spirited and secretive nurse, and an Army veteran turned attorney. They all met during World War I and formed a life-long friendship pact.

Fast forward to 1933 New York City, the sudden death of a prominent person reunites the friends for a murder investigation, that reaches into the highest echelons of society. This film is a quirky mystery with some historical facts. At times it has a slow pace, but enjoyable and interesting overall.

Business/Non-Profit News

NOLA Music

Keep NOLA Music Alive (KNOMA) is a New Orleans based nonprofit founded by the talented trombonist, Delfeayo Marsalis. This organization provides professional and financial support to musicians. Both native-born and long-term resident cultural bearers can benefit, especially those effected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Marsalis has received several awards for his musical accomplishments.   

Black News.com: Internationally Acclaimed Jazzman Delfeayo Marsalis Leads Urgent Appeal To Support New Orleans Music Community

Internationally Acclaimed Jazzman Delfeayo Marsalis Leads Urgent Appeal To Support New Orleans Music Community

*Notice: The article “NOLA Music” was first published in the September 2020 Edition. To view the full edition click here.

Book Review

Black Cop’s Kid: An Essay

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gives his perspective as an activist, historian, athlete, and the son of a New York City Black police officer in the book: Black Cop’s Kid: An Essay (46 pages, 2021, kindle edition). He covers topics such as: police bias and brutality, historical riots (including the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol), sexism, and meeting the civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King. It was enjoyable to read his love for his father and how Western movies encouraged his passion for African American history. He gives a good overview of how his beliefs evolved from a child to a man in America. Especially poignant, for a man blessed with Black skin. A very good read!


Book Quotes:

“I’ve been accused of being both a Black anti-cop agitator and an apologist for racist police violence.”
(p. 5). Kindle Edition.

“If a Black person does something amazing in a forest and no one talks about it, did it happen?”
(p. 14). Kindle Edition.


“Some Black cops respond by overpolicing African Americans to prove their loyalty to “blue” over “black.”
(p. 20). Kindle Edition. 

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