We’ve always believed in the power of community, creativity, and honoring the legacies that shape our world. This year, we were honored to take part in San Antonio's @muertosfest, creating an ofrenda that would not only celebrate the lives of loved ones, but also amplify the importance of social justice and inclusivity in our homeschool group.
A Labor of Love
The creation of our altar was a true community project, and the energy of our families was nothing short of inspiring. Over 100 mini ofrendas—each one designed and decorated by our students and families—came together to form a larger, collective altar. The process of designing each shoebox ofrenda was a meaningful one. Each box told a story: of people whose lives were lost too soon, of their families, their dreams, and their legacies. Our community poured love and care into every detail, ensuring that each ofrenda reflected the unique spirit of the person it honored.
For us, this wasn’t just about crafting a beautiful display—it was about connecting with our roots and remembering the lives of those who were taken too soon due to systemic violence, like victims of police brutality, school shootings, and social injustice. It was also about celebrating the memories of our own loved ones—fathers, mothers, children, and friends who have shaped our community in powerful ways.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The altar was more than just a visual tribute—it was a reflection of FTC’s core values: diversity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness. As a homeschool group, we strive to create a space where all our children, regardless of their background, feel seen, heard, and empowered to engage in conversations about social justice, history, and empathy.
Building this altar allowed us to come together as a community to explore those values, both in the context of the past and how we shape the future. Every detail in the altar was intentional, a reminder of the ongoing work we must do to build a more just and equitable world for all.
The Impact of the Project
Not only did the project provide an opportunity for our community to learn and grow together, but it also allowed us to make a public statement at @muertosfest—standing in solidarity with the victims of police violence, school shootings, and other injustices while celebrating the lives of those we have lost.
It was a deeply emotional and empowering experience for the children, parents, and families involved. As the kids worked on their individual boxes, they learned more about history, justice, and resilience. They asked questions, shared stories, and used their creativity to give life to the stories of those who had been taken from us. It was a beautiful and educational experience for everyone involved.
We are so proud of what we accomplished as a group and humbled by the outpouring of support from our families, friends, and the wider community. We are thrilled to share that our altar was awarded the People’s Choice Award at the festival, a true testament to the collective effort and heart behind it. Thank you to everyone who voted and supported us along the way.
The experience has inspired us to continue building a culturally centered homeschool group that honors the past while embracing the future. We are excited about what’s to come as we continue to build community, create meaningful projects, and empower our children to be the change we wish to see in the world. Thank you to everyone who contributed, visited the altar, or supported us in any way. We are stronger together, and we are grateful for each of you.
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