It was Saturday: our first day on our own in Mexico City, the second largest in the world. From the get-go, fellow Fulbrighters and I had already made plans to attend the march, Illuminemos Mexico (Light up Mexico). There is no better way to get to know Mexico than immersing oneself in it. In the end, we are responsible for understanding this country, as we will be future ambassadors.
Around 5 o'clock, we put on our white t-shirts and boots, grabbed our umbrellas and headed off to the march. Soon we became four silent voices out of tens of thousands. White flags were flying high. Signs read, "Basta, ya" (Enough). We marched in unity to denounce the long history of crime, corruption, and delinquency in Mexico. Some people walked with candles, others held up pictures of people who had been kidnapped. One of the ponchos read: Hugo Wallace, in memoriam of one of the many victims. Another name recognized that day was the 9-year old boy of the Marti family, who was kidnapped and later killed. For me, the march was a successful way to speak out against violence because violence only breeds more of the same.
To be a part of that crowd and to later see the march broad casted on TV was probably the closest that I will ever get to comprehending the magnitude of people with whom I share this city.
While the video is in Spanish, I do not think it requires a translator to get a sense for what an incredible event it was. See if you can find us on one of the streets!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nVNxexhmwU&feature=related
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