Notes on Voices of Resistencia
We are thrilled to announce our recent collaboration with La Resistencia, the Seattle Rep, and the University of Washington’s Center for Human Rights on an unforgettable evening of theatrical readings. This event, titled "Voices of Resistencia: A Theatrical Tribute To Those Lost To Deportation," served as a poignant reminder of the human toll of immigration policies and the tireless advocacy work being done in our community.
Led by Maru Mora-Villapande, founder of La Resistencia NW, the event took place one week before the organization's 10th anniversary with a powerful call to action. As we commemorated a decade of resilience and resistance, we also honored the lives of those impacted by detention and deportation, amplifying their voices through the art of storytelling.
Three UW students, alongside writer and associate professor Juan Carlos Reyes, delivered heartfelt renditions of the poignant narratives shared that evening. Through these readings, attendees were transported into the lived experiences of immigrants and their families, shedding light on the struggles, hopes, and dreams that define their journey.
The stories, written by detainees and their loved ones, blurred the lines between firsthand accounts, diary entries, memoirs, and poetry. From tales of separation and longing to expressions of resilience and defiance, each piece spoke to the inherent humanity of those affected by immigration policies.
Following the readings, Mora-Villapande expressed gratitude to attendees and outlined ways to continue supporting immigrants in our community. From signing petitions to attending advocacy events, there are countless opportunities to stand in solidarity with those impacted by detention and deportation.
This event also served as a prelude to the Seattle Rep's production of Sanctuary City, a play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok. Through its compelling narrative, Sanctuary City invites audiences to engage in critical conversations about immigration, power, and belonging.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Agueda Pacheco Flores for her insightful coverage of the event in the South Seattle Emerald, and we encourage everyone to read her article to learn more about the evening's impact. Additionally, you can watch a recording of the performance on Seattle Rep’s Youtube Page.
In the days since our performance La Resistencia has helped break the story that the Northwest Detention Center tried to bury: Charles Leo Daniel, a man held in detention, died by suicide. UW’s Center for Human Rights found that Charles Leo Daniel died while in solitary confinement, they further found that Charles Leo Daniel spent the majority of his four years in the Northwest Detention Center in solitary confinement. According to ICE records, this makes Mr. Daneil's the second-longest stay in solitary in the nation since 2018. Members of La Resistencia both in and outside of the detention center, and allies from Tsuru for Solidarity are on hunger strike in protest of the cruelty that led to Charles Leo Daniel’s death, and the Northwest Detention Center’s continued attempts to cover up the details of their mistreatment. Please be sure to follow La Resistencia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date on how to support their vital work.