Professor honored at DC performance of "Little Central America"

Honoring the work of UMD Professor Ana Patricia Rodriguez and other local activists who have tirelessly uplifted their communities

Through the artistry of Elia Arce and Rubén Martínez, the forgotten stories of Little Central America were brought to life, empowering the audience to carry forward the torch of compassion and unity. As the final curtain fell, attendees left with a newfound awareness of the intricate tapestry of human history and a shared responsibility to stand in solidarity with those facing adversity in the present day. "The work not only honors the courage and resilience of the refugees who sought shelter in the 'Little Central Americas,' but it also reminds us of the violence and trauma that led them to flee their homelands," said one attendee, moved by the powerful performance.

The end of the event came with a heartfelt ceremony, honoring local Central American activists and their allies. Individuals such as Quique Avilés, Kimberly Benavides, José Centeno-Meléndez, Lilo González, Arturo Griffiths, Verónica Meléndez, University of Maryland Professor Ana Patricia Rodríguez, and Luis Peralta del Valle were celebrated for their unwavering dedication to supporting and advocating for their communities. Of Dr. Rodriguez Avilés remarked: “Ana Patricia is one of the few people who convinced me that the work that we were doing and are still doing was worth being in scholarly journals, books, and curriculums. This production has quite a lot of the work of her former and present students, a lot of influence you have Ana Patricia and we thank you for that! We are the only region in the whole United States where the majority of the Latinos is Salvadoran. Ana Patricia has been fighting for a Central American Studies program as Humanities programs are being erased from colleges and Universities across the country. I thank you, I thank you, and I honor you!”