Preparations for El Dia de Silencio
Started last year, El Dia de Silencio, or the Day of Silence, is an event held by the Aragon Latino Club to promote immigration reform and continued support of the D.R.E.A.M. act. This year it will occur on Friday, April 29. The organizers chose silence as a way to symbolize how many immigrants cannot speak out for their rights because of fears of immigration laws.
The day’s vow of silence will officially start when participants arrive at school. Teachers tend to be understanding and do not take away any participation points for the silence. Supporters are also encouraged to wear white as a sign of participation and unity. Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if they do not have any personal connection to the troubles of immigrants.
Fliers and posters are currently in production. Students and parents have been meeting to plan the day and spread the word. The Aragon Latino Club is inviting various Aragon clubs as well as Latino Clubs from other schools in the area to have their schools participate.
Many people have heard about it from their friends. Sophomore Laynie Mitchell says, “I heard about it when I was in my history class, talking with the people who sat next to me.”
A big part of the Day of Silence is the march that happens after school downtown. “We think we’ll start at the end of B street, at the 1st Congressional Church, and then head down El Camino and into Central Park”, says Latino Club President, senior Ariana Sacchi.
This route is similar to last year’s, chosen because marchers will likely be seen in these high traffic areas. The march will pass by Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s office, where last year, the silence was broken, as students and other participants began chanting and cheering.
Event leaders will make stickers for students to wear, and participants find other ways to show their support. “People put duct tape on their mouths last year,” graduate Jackie Santizo stated. Santizo was the Aragon Latino Club President during last year’s Day of Silence.
“We hope that Loco Bloco might get involved,” said senior Jackie Cortez. Loco Bloco is a cultural drummer group that hopes to promote cultural diversity. The drummers would add vibrancy to the spirit of the march.
The event last year attracted news coverage by CBS 5 News and various local newspapers, which came to Aragon to interview students. During the rally, people shared their stories about how their families are affected by the immigration laws. Some students have had families broken up because of the immigration system. However, all the students share how they worked through the adversity to complete high school and often times move onto colleges and universities.
Last year’s event succeeded in raising awareness, and this year the Latino Club hopes that they can inspire people to get involved; moreover, they hope that young Latinos see that they have a voice and they need to speak up.
