Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana’s “Humanizando Historias” Exhibit sparks meaningful conversations on border & immigration

Since its inception, the Education and Leadership Foundation’s (ELF) has been a leader in the community in advocating for the rights and opportunities of students and families, regardless of immigration status. Through this work, we have become keenly aware of the challenges that many of our clients are met with everyday and are inspired by their journeys that led them here.

With this in mind, it was fitting that ELF hosted a training at Arte Américas, Fresno’s premier Latino arts institution, during the closing days of “Humanizing Stories.” Created by Fresno’s own Dr. Lizbeth De La Cruz Santana, the exhibit guided the ELF team through a journey of her border wall project, from concept to execution.

The original project was created on Tijuana’s side of the border, showing the faces of individuals previously deported, despite having lived in the US all of their life and were, for all intents and purposes, American.

The powerful installation included QR codes linked to video testimonials from the individuals featured in the mural, including veterans of war who risked their life for a country that ultimately disposed them; a fact that many visitors of the exhibit were not aware of. The exhibit also included a moving, immersive seaside tableau, depicting the contrast of a 4th of July celebration, with fireworks overlooking makeshift graves along the border.

The ELF team was deeply moved by the installation and was invited to participate in a protest sign making activity. The team created designs featuring messages of solidarity for the immigrant population, support for DACA recipients, calls to keep families together, among others.

To conclude the visit, the ELF team and Board of Directors participated in a training led by Ms. Coreen Campos on leadership, accountability, and collaboration.