Joseph, Denea

Hi everyone,

My name is Denea and I'm a fourth year African-American studies major and Public Affairs minor. I chose to pursue a African-American studies major to learn more about the history of my people that has been changed and erased by euro-centric ideology. In addition, the African-American major is perfect because it allows me to study the history of other cultures. I.e, Chicano/a and Asian-American cultures. Ethnic studies courses are pivotal for the development of critical consciousness and an open mind to the experiences of others. This is why I'm taking this course, to understand the role that art has played in the emergence of the Chicano/a movement.

I was born in Belize, Central America and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven years old. I was raised in South Central, Los Angeles and have been surrounded by the Virgen de Guadalupe almost my entire life because of the large Catholic influence all around the city of Los Angeles. In my community, I have seen the significant role that the Virgen plays in the lives of her believers. I have seen rosaries, murals, candles, and statues of the Virgen. Throughout the first week of this course, I have already learned so much about the history of the Virgen de Guadalupe and I look forward to learning more throughout the next couple weeks of the quarter.