Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.
Cinco de Mayo is a commemoration of the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory was significant because the French army, which was considered one of the most powerful in the world at the time, had not been defeated in nearly 50 years. It is said that the battle gave Mexicans a sense of national pride and unity, and it is celebrated as a symbol of resistance against oppression. It is not widely celebrated in Mexico outside of the state of Puebla.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, with parades, food, and music. For many Mexican-Americans, it is an opportunity to embrace their roots and share their culture with others. The holiday has also been embraced by non-Latinx communities as a way to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism.
However, the commercialization of the holiday and the perpetuation of stereotypes can be harmful and lead to cultural appropriation and any Cinco de Mayo celebration should be respectful and inclusive of the Mexican-American community. This means recognizing and celebrating the diversity within the Mexican community, including those who identify as indigenous, Afro-Mexican, and LGBTQ+. It also means acknowledging and addressing the historical and ongoing systemic oppression faced by Mexican and Latinx communities in the United States. By centering equity, diversity, and inclusion in Cinco de Mayo celebrations, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment where all members of the community feel seen and valued. This can be achieved through education and collaboration with members of the community to share in the joy of Mexican culture and history, and to honor the contributions of Mexican Americans to the United States.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Cinco de Mayo or how you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a positive and respectful way we have a couple of links you can follow.
How to Properly Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
History of Cinco de Mayo - Kids-style
More Co-op News
Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program.
Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.
May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson
February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
%20(1).png)
The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.
November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
.png)
October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
AFC Gives Community Fund
September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
Truth to Power
.png)
Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.