In the heart of Santa Cruz, beneath the soft glow of candlelight, a bridge across time opens at the Resource Center for Nonviolence (RCNV). On October 26, the community will gather for “La Ofrenda,” an immersive event that transcends the ordinary, merging the solemn tradition of DÃa de los Muertos with the dynamic pulse of ongoing social activism.
“La Ofrenda,” Spanish for ‘the offering,’ is designed not merely as a gathering but as an experiential journey through the past, present, and future of nonviolent activism. As attendees step into the RCNV’s space, they are not just walking into a venue; they are entering a living timeline of advocacy, sacrifice, and hope.
Highlighting the night are speeches from distinguished guests who bridge the gap between historical context and contemporary action. Paul Ortiz, esteemed historian and director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida, author of An African American and Latinx History of the United States and Emancipation Betrayed renowned for his deep engagement with the histories of African American and Latinx struggles, will attend virtually, offering insights into the intertwined history of struggle and resilience that shapes modern nonviolent movements at his second home, the Resource Center for Nonviolence.Â
The keynote address, delivered by Jonathan Cruz, former Chief Deputy Public Defender for Santa Cruz County and the first Filipino-American executive in Santa Cruz County Government, now serves as Deputy Attorney General of California. In this pivotal role, Cruz spearheads the groundbreaking initiative to establish the nation’s first post-conviction justice unit, aiming to innovate and reform systemic practices within the justice system. His keynote at the RCNV event will challenge attendees to consider new avenues for advocacy and reform, drawing on his extensive background in legal defense and civil rights.
The theme of transformation is palpable as “La Ofrenda” also serves as a call to action. It’s an invitation to each participant to recommit to nonviolence as a proactive stance against injustice. This call to action is underscored by the tangible support the event provides to RCNV’s ongoing missions, with ticket proceeds empowering the center to continue its vital work.
Why attend “La Ofrenda”? It’s more than an event; it’s a commitment to collective memory and future impact. Participants are not merely observers but active contributors to a tapestry of community that stands resilient against adversity. In the act of remembering, we pledge to continue the work of those who came before us, carrying their dreams forward with every step we take toward justice.
As RCNV prepares to host this remarkable evening, the message is clear: the power of legacy and the promise of transformation are intertwined in our actions today. In joining “La Ofrenda,” attendees are lighting candles not only to honor those who have passed but to cast light on the path ahead, ensuring that the journey towards peace and equity continues with renewed vigor and shared purpose.