Abuelas: Ancestral Ways for Future Generations

Denice Frohman (University of Arizona)

Artist, Frohman joins La Casita director, Tere Paniagua and members of Syracuse University’s Puerto Rican Student Association for a virtual exhibit launch of “Abuelas” (Grandmothers), celebrating the start of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, 2020. Student narratives examine soaring waves of social and behavioral changes through the lens of the matriarchal figure as Frohman reads selections from her body of work inspired by her abuela.

Latina elders—abuelas—steer the next generation toward embracing its ancestry. The role of this matriarch is seen as key to the preservation of culture, family history and language. The Abuelas project encourages visitors to make connections, discover and share personal stories, exploring concepts related to their own identity and history through photos, letters, family keepsakes, art, poetry and meaningful pieces of a past that shapes us personally, professionally, ideologically and spiritually. Program runs through March 2021.

This event is part of Syracuse Symposium’s year-long series on “Futures.” See the full season schedule at humcenter.syr.edu.

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