“I am Passionate about Change”
Mirna Juárez is the Co-founder of the non-profit GRASSROOTS and a passionate Aztec dancer.
“I am Passionate about Change,”say Lodi resident Mirna Juárez
Born and raised in California, Juárez studied art and Chicano Studies.
“I am very proud to be called a Chicana.”
Describing her experience, Juárez stated: “I came to find out about myself, my history and culture… it led me to Chicano Studies, I was missing out in a part of my life and I didn’t want that for my kids, so I raised them knowing all along what their culture and people`s history is.”
“The civil rights movement never ended,” says Juárez. “There’s [sic] still a lot of inequities in society especially for our race.”
During her college years she learned and discovered her passion for the Aztec culture, dance and is currently part of the group Quetzalcoatl Citlali based in Sacramento.
Juárez describes Danza Azteca as a discipline. “What [danza Azteca ] is doing for me emotionally, spiritually and physically is all I can ask for.”
Juárez is also known for her different taste of music. “I like ska, reggae, punk, the kind of music that you do not hear in the radio.”
“The fusion and the evolution of music: our cultures all intermingling together is what I wish for society as a whole, for that unity and exchange to happen between people.”
Along with Javier Gardea and Michelle Ruiz-Esparza, in 2010 Juárez founded the non-profit GRASSROOTS, an organization dedicated to provide youth with the knowledge and the skills to be self-sufficient.
Juárez is currently working in collaboration with other organizations on two projects: a UnityFest and a Peace and Dignity Run to be held on April, 21st. UnityFest is an event designed to promote peace and the power of prayer in Stockton.
“This year the prayer is for water, anybody that lives in this valley knows that water is a crucial element, it’s very elemental in our life.”
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