To all the brothers, sisters, elders and young ones in the movement we salute you. In this collective framework we are sharing our thoughts, intellect and understanding in response to questions, challenges and solutions on race, equity and justice. This is a working manifesto because “our work is never done” this struggle is for life. With so much to discuss and synthesize we have elected to be selective rather than inclusive and break up the teachings into two separate frameworks to pay homage to the duality in life of the Ometeotl. MILPA is a term derived from the UTO-AZTECAN Language “Nahuatl” word “Milli” and when translated means field. Our concept of MILPA is associated with the Zapoteco settlement of Monte Alban approx. 500 B.C., a time that brimmed with an expanded agricultural, spiritual, structural and political base. This period of Flor Y Canto forms the basis for one of the greatest periods of spiritual cultivation, community consciousness, cooperation, and interdependence. This is the basis of where, why and how MILPA was conceptualized. At the end of the day MILPA plants inspiration, grows consciousness and transforms lives. We strive to achieve the above by maintaining unity and humility. Slavery and abolition in this civilization was not known, rather all construction was based on the values of our ancestors. MILPA is anchoring a “critical consciousness” movement within a diverse group of residents and advocates from East Salinas Building Health Communities and the region to build Health Equity across systems and policies. Including promoting Jail and Juvenile Justice Reforms. MILPA incorporates the following strategies:
• Develops the leadership acumen and critical consciousness capacity of a cadre of Latino male and female neighborhood stakeholders.
• Applies the agency of Latino males and females towards effective cross race movement building.
• Blends the expertise of the grassroots with the experience of the treetops, but grounded on the Healing Informed Approach of La Cultura Cura.
