Cali, April 24, 2024 (@mincultura). On Simón Bolívar Avenue, just upon reaching Carrera 46, an image appears: a hand with its fist raised holding the word ‘Resist’. The deafening noise of the vehicles cannot drown out the laughter and bustle of those who have made this place their home and the community their family.
Around the Monument, several people go up and down the scaffolding, preparing it to commemorate its three years of existence. An anniversary that revives the unity of the voices that cried out for equality and justice three years ago.
The community of Puerto Resistencia, renamed after the social outbreak that occurred in Colombia three years ago, invites this Sunday, April 28, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, to a social and cultural demonstration to celebrate the construction of this monument and the commemoration of a date that, according to them, gave them the strength to claim what belongs to them: the possibility of telling another story. And it is expected that it will be a call from art and culture for the life and peace of Cauca.
Members of Pacifican Power, one of the invited groups
The musical program of ’28A Por la Paz del Cauca’ was designed by the youth of Puerto Resistencia, considering local and national bands that have demonstrated in favor of this movement.
The stage will have the participation of Cacerolazo Sinfo, Hermandad Redentor, Cocodrilo, MC Cholo, Zona Marginal, Sátira, Mailyn- Morfina, Taila La Kila, Yoky Barrios y el Barragán, Nene, La 16, Edson Velandia and Adriana Lizcano, Kei Linch and Pacifican Power.
Additionally, boys, girls, young people, women and older adults will be able to enjoy painting workshops, a community pot, a circus, among other artistic and cultural activities. Approximately 20 thousand people are expected to attend, who are part of the 28 points of resistance and the 48 social organizations of Cali, and those who want to be part of this cultural manifestation.
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“What is happening represents the power that this territory has as a community integrator, it stopped being a road separator a long time ago. “We are a culture of resistance, the roots of this monument are the history of what we are, our collective memory, which will become part of official history.”says Rolando Quintero, part of Puerto Resistencia.
Various communities participate in the organization of the event and express their nonconformity, reflect their struggles and demand dignity. Therefore, the production and management of the public will be in charge of the leaders of Puerto Resistencia (PR) and the minga.
The logistics of the scenario, in turn, will be carried out by the Indigenous Guard, while entry control will be in charge of the Cimarrona Guard and the Peasant Guard. In addition, they will have volunteer doctors, who participated in the outbreak, to attend to any emergency. Finally, solid waste collection will be led by community recyclers.
Edson Velandia and Adriana Lizcano will be in Cali to join this call for Peace in Cauca.
“The call made by the boys and girls for peace in Cauca, as the epicenter of this commemoration of 3 years of resistance and struggle for justice, symbolizes the urgent need to move towards reconciliation and peacebuilding throughout the Cauca region. Colombian West. “This living and community memory initiative is an example for the country, as it promotes a culture of peace that honors the legacy of those who have fought for equality and respect for life.”stated Gina Jaimes, Private Secretary of the Ministry of Cultures.
The Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge has accompanied the process of construction of the file necessary for the declaration of the Monument to the Resistance as an Asset of Cultural Interest of the Nation, through working groups and technical visits. The interest of the community has been key in this process, since they recognize it as part of their history, their life and find a possibility to improve their conditions through the solidarity economy.
This Monument, built in just 19 days and which is inscribed with the names of some of the young people who lost their lives during the outbreak, wants to be transformed by the organizers into a living symbol of music, art and culture this Sunday, the 28th. April.
