Revisiting Columbus Day: A Chicano’s Perspective from Los Angeles

In the sprawling City of Angels, where diverse cultures intertwine and thrive, Columbus Day takes on a unique significance for me as a Chicano-American. This holiday, which traditionally celebrates Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas, prompts me to view it through a different lens — one that calls for reflection, learning from history, and striving for a better future. For many Chicanos in Los Angeles, Columbus Day represents an opportunity to acknowledge the rich indigenous heritage of the Americas that predates Columbus’s arrival. Much of the Southland itself is situated on Tongva and Tataviam land, two indigenous tribes whose history stretches back thousands of years. This recognition prompts discussions about the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples and their resilience in the face of adversity. <a href="https://medium.com/@sINTELLIGENCE/columbus-day-just-one-chicanos-pov-3099775bea91">Learn More</a>