Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The installation of an altar is a cultural practice that combines Indigenous and Christian spirituality that dates back centuries in the Americas. Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), occurs every year on November 1st and 2nd. This cultural practice is now used as a way to educate communities about social issues. The United States is currently separating children from their families as a way to discourage unauthorized immigration to the U. S. Research findings document the lifelong negative consequences that occur when children are separated from their families. A “Dia de Los Muertos” altar was installed during a community event in Los Angeles with the theme of Childhood Separation. Images of actual children, who were separated from their families and their testimonies were placed on the altar. Community resources were also included in the installation, places where families could go for help and support. This study reports on the impact this project had on faculty and students who installed the altar and the response from the community.

Presenters

Eugenia E Rodriguez
Core Faculty, Coordinator Latinx Family Studies Specialization and LGBTQIA+ Specialization, School of Cultural and Family Psychology, Pacific Oaks College, United States

Rebecca Rojas