“We Americans have yet to really learn our own antecedents, and sort them, to unify them. Thus far…we tacitly abandoned ourselves to the notion that our United States has been fashioned from the British Islands only; and essentially form a second England only—which is great mistake.’ Walt Whitman declined an invitation to speak at the anniversary of the founding of Santa Fe. He believed that forging a vital American identity and nation depended on knowing and and honoring its Hispanic past. It is a history that predates the Mayflower by a century, intentionally erased and marginalized. Knowing our history underscores the cruelty and audacity of the current administration. The Spanish, indigenous and multiracial history of our nation is vital to building the democracy we want, the democracy we need. This is Independence Day, 2025.
It’s Ruth Asawa Day in San Francisco. Here she is making art with her children. Not only did she create transcendent sculptural beauties but worked tirelessly, as an educator and activist to make public arts education in San Francisco available to all. She launched the arts program at our elementary school, Alvarado. And thanks to her, our kids attend a public arts high school. The Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. Eternally grateful. Photo by Imogen Cunningham.
