Cultural Identity

By: Erika Velasco, Alda Dansou, Addison Armstrong

Cultural identity is not just defined by a group or culture with which you identify. Cultural identity also consists of racial, religious, class, gender, sexuality and familial identities

–http://classroom.synonym.com/

"You have to experience a culture to understand it. Once you understand and appreciate other people's cultural backgrounds, then you feel more connected to them." – Shamit Khemka

Dallas Demographics:

(According to 2010 census)

White: 50.7% (non-Hispanic: 28.8%)
Black or African American: 25.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7%
Asian: 2.9% Two or more races: 2.6%
Hispanic or Latino of any race: 42.4%

Exploring Dallas' Culture Scene:

Thanks-Giving Square:

History: Back in the early ages, researchers and philosophers began to realize that the act of giving thanks was universal in that it was practiced by all cultures and faith traditions. In the mid 1900's The Thanksgiving Foundation reached a consensus to create a public space dedicated to gratitude in order to depict said notion of universal thanksgiving.

It wasn't until 1973 when The Thanksgiving Foundation, along with the City of Dallas, began constructing the area. The Chapel of Thanksgiving as well as the Bell Tower were first built and in 1977 the square was finally completed and made open to the public.

Inside the Chapel

The Ring of Thanks

"Do unto others as you would them do unto you"

Golden Rule - Norman Rockwell

...

A gathering of men, women, and children of different races, religions, and ethnicities

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum was originally founded in 1873. Although known initially as Deep Elm, due to its common pronunciation as "Deep Ellum", the official name of this commercial neighborhood was eventually changed for good. Back then the district was a refuge for freed slaves and outcasts making it also known as the center of Dallas' African American community. For many European Immigrants it had also been one of their first commercial districts where merchants could set up their shops and attempt to make a living.

Deep Ellum became well renowned in the 1900's when early jazz started to flourish. Deep Ellum night clubs and cafes hosted many jazz and blues musicians which brought not only much local attention to the district but also world wide.

Today, Deep Ellum is also known as Dallas' unofficial music center and now attracts performers of various musical styles such as rock, alternative, indie, country, latin, and of course jazz.

Overall this downtown entertainment district is known for its nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, as well as street art.

Mural by local Vietnamese immigrant:

Huy Nguyen

"If you don't exist in the arts of a culture. You're invisible"

–Esmeralda Santiago

THE TRAVELING MAN

The trio of colossal statues was created in order to replace murals that stood as welcoming symbols that were taken down in order to construct a new rail system.

The Trio:

Awakening: Represents the birth and beginning of the Traveling Man
Waiting on the Train: Depicts the Traveling Man leisurely playing guitar
Walking Tall: Depicts the Traveling Man taking a stroll

The Statues were essentially built to commemorate the railway history of Deep Ellum

Picture taken by 1 of the 3 Traveling Men of Deep Ellum: WALKING TALL

FOOD

Tex Mex:

In early ages, the term "Tex-Mex" was used as an abbreviation for the Texas and Mexican railroad as well as a a description of the Mexican population living in Texas. By the 1900's the term was also used to describe Mexican-style dishes of the Texas region. Tex-Mex became well known for its delicious use of meat, beans, chili, and etc., but also for its inexpensiveness. Tex-Mex was originally recognized in San Antonio making the city the capital of Tex-Mex.

"You have to taste a culture to understand it"

– Deborah Cater

After a long day helping create an urban garden to help distribute healthy food to our community, our team was gifted a sausage boil filled with corn, red potatoes, and crawfish.

"Only in Texas can mesquite have its own festival, then there's a crawfish festival, a festival for strawberries, everything has its own festival, with each town having their own yearly thing. "

- Kevin Fowler

"Participating in Alternative Spring Break has been a privilege. I was given the opportunity to know and connect with sixteen amazing people who all come from different backgrounds. This trip has taught me more about myself and has made me grow an appreciation for what's around us. " - Erika

"Prior to this service trip, I knew very little about my team members. However, while on the trip, conversations were shared that I believe otherwise never would have been. Through these conversations I learned a lot about the different components that make up other's cultural identities while also being able to reflected on my own background. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity." - Alda

"When I started on this trip, I didn't know much about the people I will be with for the next week nor did I know a lot about the culture and the community around me. Once we started our service projects down in Dallas, it really hit me how people will leave others in the dust, but there is so many more people who will help gather them up and push them forward. Working with Aids Interfaith Network really opened my eyes about how many people really care about others in the community no matter what their background is, they are more than willing to help those in need." - Addison

Dallas 2018

A culturally homogeneous team!

In order for us to cooperatively learn and grow as a team and as individuals it was important for us to acknowledge one another. Coming to an appreciation of the cultural differences that shape and distinguishes each and every member of the team as well as the members of the Dallas community we interacted with is what truly helped us thrive.

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