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I chose the song Hasta la Raíz by Natalia Lafourcade for my art gallery because it deeply resonates with me and many others who share Mexican roots. The lyrics beautifully capture the feeling of staying connected to your culture and identity no matter where life takes you. It speaks to that unshakable bond we have with our heritage something that lives within us, passed down through generations. For many in the Mexican community, this song evokes pride, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging that feels both personal and collective.

Natalia Lafourcade’s “Hasta la Raíz” resonates deeply with the themes James Baldwin explores in “A Talk to Teachers,” particularly the importance of understanding and embracing one’s identity in a society that often tries to erase it. Lafourcade’s song is a poetic reminder of how cultural roots shape who we are, much like Baldwin urges educators to help students critically examine the world and recognize the value of their own experiences and histories. Both works emphasize the need to hold onto cultural identity in the face of pressures to conform, and they call for the empowerment of marginalized voices whether through music, education, or self-expression.

What I learned from my peer's discussions I learned that “Hasta la Raíz” resonated with many of them just as deeply as it did with me. It was meaningful to see how others connected to the song’s themes of cultural roots, identity, and heritage. Several classmates shared how the lyrics reminded them of their own families and upbringing, and how powerful it felt to hear a song that reflected their emotions and experiences. It was comforting and inspiring to realize that this piece of music created a shared sense of understanding and pride among those of us with similar backgrounds.

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I chose the movie Under the Same Moon to be included in my art gallery because it powerfully speaks on the struggles of immigration and the emotional journey that so many families go through when they’re separated by borders. It highlights the love, sacrifice, and strength it takes to pursue a better life, especially for children and parents trying to stay connected from afar. With everything going on right now around immigration policies and the challenges immigrant communities continue to face, this film feels especially relevant and necessary it brings a human, heartfelt perspective to an issue that’s too often reduced to politics.

Under the Same Moon highlights not only the emotional and physical toll of immigration separation but also connects deeply to the themes in “Unequal Opportunity: Race and Education.” The film portrays Carlitos’s mother, Rosario, working in an underpaid, precarious job in the U.S. a reality reflected in how immigrant families often end up in lower-resourced communities, which commonly have underfunded schools and fewer educational opportunities . This segregation based on socioeconomic and immigration status creates systemic educational inequities, as the Brookings research describes, noting that students from minority or immigrant backgrounds tend to attend schools with significantly fewer resources and lower-quality teachers.By emphasizing how these families are “under the same moon” yet subjected to vastly different opportunities both economically and educationally the film powerfully illustrates the ongoing impact of structural inequity in education.

From discussing with my peers, I learned that some of them really related to Under the Same Moon and connected with its themes of family, immigration, and sacrifice, while others hadn’t seen it or didn’t relate to it in the same way. Even though not everyone shared the same experience with the movie, I appreciated hearing all the different perspectives. It opened up a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, and how media can impact people differently depending on their background and life experiences.

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I chose the movie The Outsiders for my art gallery because it powerfully explores the topic of social groups and societal norms. The story highlights the divide between the “Greasers” and the “Socs,” showing how people are often judged or limited based on their background, appearance, or economic status. It sheds light on the pressure to conform, the impact of stereotypes, and the struggles of trying to find your identity within rigid social boundaries. I think this film encourages viewers to look beyond labels and see the humanity in each other, which is an important message for any discussion around social justice and belonging.

The Outsiders connects closely with the Basic Principles of Equity Literacy, particularly the idea that equity work must begin with recognizing and responding to inequity in all its forms. The film highlights how societal and school systems often fail to address the needs of students from marginalized or lower-income backgrounds, like the Greasers. They are frequently misunderstood, labeled, and excluded not only by peers but by authority figures and institutions. This reflects a lack of equitable support and understanding, something equity literacy calls out as a systemic issue. By applying these principles, educators can move toward creating classroom environments where all students regardless of their social group or background feel valued, supported, and seen for their full humanity. The movie serves as a reminder that equity isn't just about access, but also about dignity, representation, and the need to challenge the biases that shape how we treat others.

From discussing with my peers I learned that The Outsiders really resonates with others when it comes to identity and the pressure to fit into certain roles. Both responses made me realize how common it is for people to feel like they have to act a certain way to be accepted whether it’s in school, at home, or in their future careers. I appreciated how they both opened up about their personal experiences and how they’ve grown to understand that they don’t have to fit into just one category to be “enough.” Their reflections helped me see the deeper impact of the film and reminded me that everyone carries their own struggles with identity, but finding the confidence to stay true to yourself is a powerful journey we all share.