Rigoberta Menchú

Are you interested in learning more about the role of art and cultural production in resistance? Listen to this episode to find out about a book that is for you. In another guest episode with the inimitable Isabella Kajiwara, we are discussing ‘I, Rigoberta Menchú’, the autobiographical account of Rigoberta Menchú, a Mayan Indigenous K’iche woman. Rigoberta tells the story of her community’s resistance to the Guatemala government in the 1970s and their army-led repression of revolutionary movements. Rigoberta describes the violence and brutality faced by Indigenous Guatemalans during this repression.‘I, Rigoberta Menchú’ is an account that she calls the testimony of her people and this legacy has continued to inspire indigenous peoples in struggle throughout Central America. This is the final book of the last bookshelf series ‘Literature for Liberation’ which has traversed revolutionary autobiographies, exploring the role of storytelling in political education and movement ecosystems. In this episode, we discuss the threads of shared experience between these accounts – in repression, resistance, community building and worldmaking. From these stories, we learn lessons about how to build the future we are dreaming of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few months ago, I had the immense honor of meeting and interviewing Rigoberta Menchú Tum, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and K’iche’ Mayan activist, during an event hosted by Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Américas (CANA) in San Francisco. This encounter was originally aired live on my radio show, bringing her words and wisdom to the airwaves. Now, I’m excited to share the podcast version of this experience, in both Spanish and English, thanks to a live translation. It was a bilingual event, and now with the podcast here it is, another layer of accessibility for those who might have missed the live radio broadcast. Rigoberta Menchú Tum’s life story is one of profound resilience and unwavering dedication to social justice. Born in 1959 in the Guatemalan highlands, Rigoberta’s advocacy work was shaped by her personal experiences during the Guatemalan Civil War, which resulted in the genocide of nearly 150,000 Mayans. Tragically, her family was among the victims, with her brother, mother, and father being tortured and murdered by government forces. she later transformed her pain into action, becoming an international advocate for Indigenous rights, human rights, and peace. Her commitment to these causes earned her the Nobel [...]

" Let there be freedom for the Indians, wherever they may be in the American Continent or elsewhere in the world, because while they are alive, a glow of hope will be alive as well as a true concept of life. " - Rigoberta Menchú Join Sarah and Dr Linda Westman from the Urban Institute at Sheffield University to discuss the life and accomplishments (thus far) of Rigoberta Menchú. Rigoberta is a renowned Kʼicheʼ Indigenous feminist and human rights activist, politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner who has spent her life fighting for the lives and rights of indigenous Guatemalans. Dr Linda Westman is a Postdoctoral Research Associate whose work engages with the governance of sustainability and climate change, urban sustainability transformations, and justice. Dr Westman is excited to join Demons and Dames to discus how Rigoberta's work has provided an alternative perspective on the familiar concept of sustainability. Documentaries: Dawn Gifford Engle. Rigoberta Menchu: Daughter of the Maya (2016). Documentary. Pamela Yates, Newton Thomas Sigel. When the Mountains Tremble (1983). Documentary. Pamela Yates. Granito: How to Nail a Dictator (2011), Documentary. Testimonial Biography: Menchú, R., & In Burgos-Debray, E. (1984). I, Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian woman in Guatemala

"Let there be freedom for the Indians, wherever they may be in the American Continent or elsewhere in the world, because while they are alive, a glow of hope will be alive as well as a true concept of life." - Rigoberta Menchú Join Sarah and Dr Linda Westman from the Urban Institute at Sheffield University to discuss the life and accomplishments (thus far) of Rigoberta Menchú. Rigoberta is a renowned Kʼicheʼ Indigenous feminist and human rights activist, politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner who has spent her life fighting for the lives and rights of indigenous Guatemalans. Dr Linda Westman is a Postdoctoral Research Associate whose work engages with the governance of sustainability and climate change, urban sustainability transformations, and justice. Dr Westman is excited to join Demons and Dames to discus how Rigoberta's work has provided an alternative perspective on the familiar concept of sustainability. Documentaries: Dawn Gifford Engle. Rigoberta Menchu: Daughter of the Maya (2016). Documentary. Pamela Yates, Newton Thomas Sigel. When the Mountains Tremble (1983). Documentary. Pamela Yates. Granito: How to Nail a Dictator (2011), Documentary. Testimonial Biography: Menchú, R., & In Burgos-Debray, E. (1984). I, Rigoberta Menchú: An Indian woman in Guatemala