Accordion Bandit meets Book Bandit: Mingo Saldivar & Tony Diaz, El Librotraficante. Houston, TX.
Of course, I don't want the organizers to get in trouble for violating City of Houston Fire Codes, so let's say 6,081 attended this amazing Ethnic Studies Class in Downtown Houston.
Those folks also probably didn't realize it was a class.
That's how great classes work. Next thing you know, you've had an edifying educational experience. But you just thought you were spending a great Saturday on the hill at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, enjoying the thrilling sounds of the Accordion Kings and Queens 2012.
I had the pleasure of being one of the hosts, along with Texas Monthly writer Nick Patoski. We're hosting it again this year, but I remember fondly my first time.
This took place last June shortly after I had returned from the 2012 Librotraficante Caravan to Smuggle Banned Books Back to Arizona. So I was still reeling over the fact that Arizona legislators banned Ethnic Studies.
But I realized that I champion, I teach, and I envision Ethnic Studies because to me that party on the hill is exactly what I am talking about.
Here my definition of Quantum Demographics:
Quantum Demographics: Understanding your own culture so profoundly that you are fulfilled enough, wise enough, and knowledgeable enough to seek bridges to cultures that may seem far removed from your own. Our generation appreciates and thrives on those links.
It is vital at this time to further an appreciation for Quantum Demographics because when people hear us defending Ethnic Studies so little is know about the depth of our vision and culture that some people assume, and some people would like to lead you to believe, that we are championing only our culture. Furthermore, there are forces that would like to convince you that we would go so far as to impose our culture on others. This is not the case at all.
After I took Mexican American Studies, after I knew my story, I was empowered to look for and enjoy similarities in the stories of others. That's what we can be delivered to.
When I talk about Ethnic Studies, I envision accordion genius Mingo Saldivar, from 2012's show, and The Czechaholics from this year's show, which takes place Saturday, June 1, 2013, 6:30pm to 11:00 PM at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston. It's free.
I mean Women's Empowerment like Rosie Ledet, Zydeco Queen who will thrill with the accordion this year.
I mean African Americans, Tejanos, Germans, Asians, a united nation of Texans forming lines to dance to each other's music in the pit in front of the stage.
I grew up on House Music, Hard Rock, and Rock en Español. But when I hear the wash board scrubbed the right way in Zydeco, Blues beats make me and the audience tremble. When the Oompa-pa horns of polka and the drums of conjunto merge Germany, Poland, Czech and Chicanos, the ground quakes like the Deep House Music used to bump out of the 14-inch woofers of my big boom box heart.
This is what some Arizona and some Texas legislators are scared of?
Once we get passed this generation of law-makers who are scared of our unity, there will be intellectual parties like this across America. Ethnic Studies courses shall thrive across the nation.
But don't worry, parties like this in Texas ain't going away. They're only going to get bigger.
Extra Credit:
Take Ethnic Studies Home with ya: You can enter a raffle to win a brand new Corona II accordion by Hohner, as well as certificates to Houston area restaurants, businesses and arts events.
If you can't make it to the event, you can still get your own copy of last year's concert, Accordion Kings & Queens Live! The historic recording includes conjunto legends Flaco Jimenez and Mingo Saldivar, along with zydeco, polka, and the best up and coming conjunto talent of the state.
Tony Diaz, El Librotraficante and a few thousand friends enjoying the ultimate Ethnic Studies Course: Accordion Kings and Queens 2012.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.