Cátedra Itinerante Orlando Fals Borda - Literatura, música y artes visuales

Name: Cátedra Itinerante Orlando Fals Borda - Literatura, música y artes visuales
Uploaded: 2024-08-29T01:07:41.000Z
Duration: 4 h 54 min 39 s

Exploring Latin American Epistemologies and Community Action

Foundations of Latin American Epistemologies

Discussion on foundational aspects of Latin American epistemologies and practices emerging from liberation theology, popular education, alternative communication, and theater.

Emphasis on community action and agrarian reform as significant themes explored with sociologist Camilo Torres.

Institutional Collaborations

The chair was established in 2015 during a symposium leading up to the Third Congress on Participatory Action Research held in Cartagena in 2017.

Collaboration includes various higher education institutions and grassroots organizations such as Universidad Pedagógica Nacional and others involved in community rights.

Upcoming Events and Celebrations

Mention of the centenary celebration for Orlando Fal Borda scheduled for next year, with plans to also commemorate Camilo Torres' centenary in 2026.

Educational Themes and Presentations

Overview of sessions conducted under the theme "Camp Senti Pensantes," focusing on colonizing knowledge through discussions between notable figures like Orlando Fal Borda and Carlos Rodríguez Brandão.

Introduction of guest speakers including Professor Víctor Migr from Universidad del Sinú who will present virtually.

Cultural Reflections Through Music

Acknowledgment of performances by Fernando González and Mari Moreno that reflect Caribbean ethos within the context of participatory work emphasizing emotional engagement alongside rational thought.

Political Dimensions of Education

Recognition of the political nature of education, highlighting recent violence against educators as a call to action for participatory research efforts.

Transitioning into presentations while maintaining focus on advocacy through educational spaces despite challenges faced by activists.

Artistic Expressions in Education

Introduction to artistic expressions related to education, emphasizing its dual role as both enlightening and challenging societal norms.

Reflection on personal experiences with music as a transformative tool that connects individuals across different backgrounds.

Exploring the Depths of Popular Culture

The Essence of Popularity

The speaker reflects on the hidden aspects behind "the light of your soul," suggesting that popular culture has been both recognized and overlooked throughout history.

Emphasizes that popular culture has endured pain, enslavement, and liberation, highlighting its vibrant nature as a source of expression and identity.

Describes popular culture as a blend of past experiences and present realities, indicating its role in societal upheaval and transformation.

Notes that while some view popular culture as dangerous, it is an integral part of human experience across various contexts.

Introduction to the Event

The speaker thanks the audience for their presence at this unique event, which combines various artistic expressions in homage to F. Borda.

Introduces Mari Moreno, a talented singer-songwriter known for her diverse musical influences from both Pacific and Atlantic traditions.

Cultural Heritage and Expression

Mari shares her gratitude for her Caribbean heritage, emphasizing traditional music as a powerful tool for expression.

References David Sánchez Juliá's perspective on literature reflecting social degradation that communities must confront through awareness and education.

Personal Narratives in Context

A poignant narrative about Julio Velázquez illustrates the struggles faced by rural communities due to systemic oppression and violence.

Details the harsh realities experienced by these communities, including loss of land and violent repression.

Historical Reflections

Mentions the founding of an alternative magazine in 1974 that marked significant developments in Colombian journalism and literature.

Invites collaboration with Benjamín Tambor to enrich the cultural dialogue during this event.

Poetic Expressions

Discusses how life possesses its own essence; everything requires awakening to realize its potential.

Explores themes of love intertwined with memory, illustrating how relationships shape our understanding of life’s value.

Conclusion: The Value of Life Through Love

Adiós Cartagena: A Melodic Tribute

The Essence of "Adiós Cartagena"

The song "Adiós Cartagena" is described as a melodic tribute, reflecting on the cultural and emotional ties to the city.

It portrays Cartagena as a city of fire and salt, where boundaries blur between night and certainty, evoking deep nostalgia.

The lyrics express a longing for happiness in fleeting moments, emphasizing the connection to one's heritage through music and dance.

The performance highlights the interplay of different cultural elements, such as African rhythms and indigenous melodies, symbolizing unity in diversity.

References to pre-Columbian times suggest a rich historical context that informs contemporary expressions of identity.

Cultural Reflections

The speaker emphasizes the enduring impact of history on present culture, likening it to an unquenchable fire representing their roots.

Gratitude is expressed towards the historical space that allows for artistic expression and remembrance of cultural legacies.

Acknowledgment of Loss

A somber tone emerges as the event transitions into a tribute for two young individuals who were tragically killed.

Natalia, a student artist, prepares to honor their memory through her art while acknowledging the pain felt by those affected.

Artistic Expression as Protest

Natalia discusses her responsibility to use art as a form of protest against violence and injustice in society.

She shares her creative process rooted in personal experiences and aspirations for growth amidst adversity.

Themes of Hope Amidst Struggle

Her rap reflects resilience despite challenges faced in her community; she expresses desires for education and empowerment through collective learning.

The Impact of Indifference and the Role of Art in Social Struggles

The Virus of Indifference

Indifference is described as a virus that acidifies the ground where coffee is sown, highlighting how human power undermines faith and spirituality.

The speaker reflects on love's distortion but emphasizes the importance of memory, even when dreams are suffocated by societal struggles.

Artistic Expression as Resistance

Art is portrayed as the soul of the people, with references to pain caused by violence against women and societal oppression.

Education is depicted as being overshadowed by militarization, emphasizing that true learning should not be secondary to armed forces.

Collective Struggle and Dignity

A call for unity among those who share a common struggle against oppression, emphasizing "dignified rage" as a collective sentiment.

The speaker reiterates the significance of memory and resistance amidst chaos, invoking imagery from May Day protests.

Tribute to Lost Friends

A song dedicated to a deceased friend serves as an emotional tribute reflecting on memories shared and loss experienced.

The lyrics express deep sorrow over loss while celebrating life’s moments together, illustrating personal grief intertwined with broader social issues.

Reflections on Life and Legacy

Discussion about coping with loss through remembrance; highlights the chaotic nature of revenge in society.

Acknowledgment of life's fleeting nature while cherishing friendships; calls for finding light amid darkness.

Continuation of Cultural Dialogue

Introduction to Professor Víctor Negret Barrera from Universidad del Sinú, known for his extensive work in social studies and community engagement.

Overview of Professor Negret's contributions to collective production in research action participation since 1972.

Contributions to Historical Narratives

Mentioning his role in founding significant educational institutions focused on social history within Caribbean regions.

Highlighting key works related to agrarian struggles and cultural visibility through narratives aimed at popular sectors.

Introduction to Participatory Action Research

Context and Background

The speaker introduces themselves as being from Montería, Córdoba, where participatory action research was first implemented.

Orlando Fals and colleagues emphasized the need for a new type of research that fosters better relationships between researchers and communities.

Historical Significance

In 1972, during a significant year of peasant struggle for land in Colombia, Orlando aimed to test theories regarding these movements.

Initial investigations focused on understanding the origins of early peasant struggles in Córdoba, revealing a lack of historical documentation.

Discovering History

The absence of archives and resources at the University of Córdoba highlighted the necessity to document and disseminate history.

Identifying early pioneers from 1915 to 1920 became crucial in uncovering past struggles that had been overlooked.

Challenges in Disseminating Knowledge

Sharing Findings with Communities

After gathering information about past struggles, the challenge arose on how to share this knowledge effectively with illiterate peasants.

A book was initially considered but deemed impractical due to low literacy rates among target audiences.

Innovative Communication Strategies

Observations led to discovering effective communication methods used by communities; illustrated brochures emerged as a viable option.

Illustrated pamphlets were created using simple drawings and minimal text to convey historical narratives effectively.

Creating Illustrated Brochures

Engaging Visual Storytelling

The use of popular graphic stories (referred to as "paquitos") resonated well with children and youth, making it easier for them to understand complex histories.

Collaboration with Artists

A talented illustrator named Julian Larcá Griales collaborated with the team to produce these educational materials tailored for peasant movements.

Impact on Peasant Movements

The Impact of Participatory Action Research in Colombia

Introduction to the Success of Participatory Action Research

The ethnographer is preparing a comic about the initiation of participatory action research in Córdoba, highlighting its success not only in Colombia but also globally.

Historical Context and Methodology

A recent study by the University of Rosario references a famous phrase from early 20th-century pioneers of the campesino movement, emphasizing the need for diverse information sharing methods.

Various educational tools were employed, including photography projects for children and puppet groups to engage younger audiences effectively.

Diverse Communication Channels

The use of multimedia expanded over time; documentaries, recorded cassettes, and radio programs became integral to disseminating information about community issues.

Continuous engagement with local media through columns in newspapers and current utilization of social networks ensures ongoing outreach and collaboration with friendly organizations.

Community Engagement and Education

Emphasis on making research accessible to all demographics, including children, through playful learning methods that foster understanding within communities.

Social work students are actively involved in community projects focusing on territory and family dynamics that are often overlooked in traditional academic texts.

Adaptability of Participatory Action Research

Each application of participatory action research varies based on local contexts—community needs, political situations, and cultural backgrounds must be considered.

Creativity is essential; researchers should adapt methodologies to fit specific community desires rather than relying solely on established frameworks.

Philosophical Underpinnings

Beyond methodology, there is a call for deeper philosophical reflection regarding the purpose behind these efforts—who benefits from this work?

Understanding personal motivations is crucial; participants must consider how their involvement impacts their lives and communities positively.

Transformative Effects on Individuals

Engaging with communities can lead to personal transformation; individuals should reflect on how their actions contribute to broader societal change.

The importance of embodying values such as creativity, honesty, generosity, and solidarity is emphasized as foundational for building better communities.

Holistic Approach to Community Development

A comprehensive view that includes economic factors alongside environmental concerns fosters a more integrated approach to community development.

Creating a Different Mentality Through Community Engagement

The Role of Community Knowledge

Emphasizes the importance of creating groups within communities that foster a different mentality, distinct from existing political ideologies.

Highlights the significance of understanding community history and memory to improve current conditions through participatory action research.

Importance of Useful Knowledge

Advocates for participatory research that is grounded in real-life observations within families and neighborhoods, stressing the need for practical applications of knowledge.

Stresses that knowledge must be useful and demonstrated through tangible actions rather than mere words.

Characteristics of Participatory Action Research

Clarifies that participatory action research requires thorough preparation and documentation, not just short-term university projects.

Points out the richness of local language and cultural expressions as vital components in sustaining meaningful research efforts.

Expressing Cultural Identity

Encourages writing in a literary style that resonates with people, avoiding crude or uninspired language to engage effectively with audiences.

Introduces the concept of "sentipensante," which combines feeling and thinking, emphasizing human emotions in communication.

Understanding Local Beliefs

Discusses how local beliefs, such as those surrounding witches, are often misunderstood but hold significant meaning within communities.

Suggests that these beliefs should be approached with respect rather than ridicule, recognizing their role in shaping community sentiments.

Narrative Example: Magali's Experience

Introduces Magali's story about her newborn son amidst local superstitions regarding witches and protective practices.

The Mysterious Death of a Child

Discovery of the Child's Condition

The grandmother wakes up startled and rushes to find the child, already aware something terrible has happened.

They discover blood stains on the floor, which paralyze their breath; a thin hole is found 2 cm below the child's belly button, from which blood is still oozing.

The witches mock Fernando and the grandmother as they search for someone who can stop death from claiming the child.

Hospital Visit and Aftermath

At the hospital, doctors are astonished by the total loss of blood but cannot determine a cause of death; it is declared unknown.

Following the child's burial on June 6th in the afternoon, Magalis and Dionisio place yucca stalk crosses around their home and pray frequently for protection.

Educational Insights from Professor Alfonso Torres

Introduction to Educational Themes

Discussion shifts to Professor Alfonso Torres, an influential figure in popular education in Colombia and Latin America.

He holds a doctorate in Latin American studies and has extensive reflections on participatory action research influenced by Paulo Freire.

Cultural Integration in Education

The conversation highlights connections between art, Freire’s educational philosophy, and current events related to Orlando F. Borda's centenary celebration.

Personal Anecdotes about Language Barriers

Overcoming Communication Challenges

A story unfolds about how a bilingual individual facilitated communication between American engineers and local farmers during construction projects.

Building Trust through Music

Despite initial distrust due to cultural differences (e.g., being non-Catholic among Catholic communities), music became a bridge that fostered relationships with local farmers.

Reflections on Freire and Fals Borda

The Collaborative Nature of Research

The speaker reflects on the importance of teamwork in research, particularly referencing Carlos Rodríguez Brandão's thoughts on Paulo Freire and Orlando Fals Borda.

Highlights María Cristina Salazar's significant role alongside Fals Borda, emphasizing that their work was a collective effort rather than individual achievements.

Discusses the foundational support from organizations like the campesina organization (Nuc) in Colombia, which provided essential backing for their proposals.

Cultural Movements and Educational Reform

Describes Brazil's political climate between 1961 and 1964, noting a reformist government that mobilized university students for social change.

Mentions progressive Catholic bishops who viewed their Christian commitment as a means to foster social transformation through cultural initiatives.

Emphasizes Freire’s involvement in popular culture movements, particularly focusing on literacy as a critical component of broader educational reforms.

Literacy Campaign Initiatives

Points out the crucial link between literacy and voting rights during this period; illiteracy prevented many from participating in elections.

Notes an impressive achievement where Freire’s method helped to educate approximately 800 individuals within just 40 to 45 hours, leading to governmental interest in large-scale literacy campaigns.

Interconnections Between Culture and Education

Discusses how Freire first encountered Fals Borda through shared intellectual circles, highlighting the interconnectedness of their ideas.

Reflecting on cultural engagement among intellectuals during this era, suggesting that understanding popular culture was vital for building transformative movements.

Recognition of Popular Culture

Stresses the importance of recognizing local cultures when working with communities; people have distinct identities shaped by their preferences (e.g., telenovelas, rap).

Argues that effective education or research must incorporate cultural dimensions to resonate with people's lived experiences.

Towards a Popular Science

Introduces Fals Borda’s concept of "popular science," advocating for visibility and maximization of popular knowledge systems within academic discourse.

References his earlier works discussing "intellectual colonialism" and calls for a sociology focused on liberation—echoing themes found in Freire’s pedagogy.

Understanding Popular Wisdom and Cultural Identity

The Concept of Popular Science

Discussion on the term "popular science" as a means to understand cultural perspectives, contrasting its historical elegance with contemporary relativism.

Emphasis on culture as a collection of significations, beliefs, symbols, and representations that shape how communities interpret their world and identity.

Mobilization Through Cultural Understanding

Reference to Victor's insights about engaging deeply with people's meanings and imaginations to achieve awareness, organization, and mobilization within communities.

Crisis in Higher Education

Acknowledgment of a crisis in universities since 2016, marked by declining enrollment and increased dropout rates in private institutions.

Personal observations from public universities in Brazil regarding student attendance issues post-pandemic.

Disconnect Between Academia and Student Expectations

Critique of the university experience being perceived as disconnected from students' lives and cultural dynamics, leading to disengagement.

The Role of Educators in Community Engagement

Call for educators to recognize and respect local cultural dynamics to build authentic alternatives with communities rather than imposing solutions.

Legacy of Educational Thinkers

Influence of Freire and Fals Borda

Reflection on the enduring legacy of educational thinkers like Freire and Fals Borda who shaped educational practices during the 1970s.

Upcoming Events Celebrating Educational Legacy

Announcement about an upcoming event featuring Jaime Eduardo Rojas aimed at fostering engagement through music and discussion following this talk.

Cultural Projects Related to Fals Borda

Mural Project Proposal

Introduction of a mural project at the university honoring Orlando Fals Borda that emphasizes participatory construction involving community ideas.

Centenary Celebration Planning for Freire

Plans for celebrating the 100th anniversary of Freire’s birth involving various organizations named after Fals Borda; discussions on collaborative efforts among groups.

Collective Initiatives

Initiatives for Celebrating Orlando Fals Borda

Overview of Collaborative Efforts

Discussion on the creation of an act by Patricia, highlighting the existence of Fals Borda chairs in various universities and the intention to expand these initiatives nationally.

Mention of a representative from UPTC proposing to extend similar initiatives to other universities across the country, including inviting speakers on relevant topics.

National Route and Events

Proposal for establishing a national route dedicated to Fals Borda, showcasing significant locations associated with his work across Colombia, including Cundinamarca and Boyacá.

Suggestion for organizing a "Fals Borda Week" at a national level involving multiple universities, with current university administration expressing support for active participation in this commemoration.

Institutional Support and Cultural Proposals

Recommendation to propose to the Ministry of Culture and Education that the following year be declared as "Orlando Fals Borda Year," aiming for institutional recognition within educational frameworks.

Emphasis on creating dialogue spaces that connect academic knowledge with community experiences while avoiding monopolization by theoretical discourse.

Engagement with Local Communities

Ideas presented include essay contests, murals, and publications honoring Fals Borda's legacy; mention of existing legislation mandating compilation of his works by the National Library.

Announcement about an upcoming conference organized by CLACSO in June 2025 as part of honoring Fals Borda’s contributions, expected to attract participants from all over Latin America.

Community Interaction Plans

Discussion about potential visits to local communities near Bogotá (e.g., Sauco), emphasizing engagement with farmers who recognize Fals Borda's impact on communal action and sociological research.

Affirmation that both individual collectives and institutional bodies within the university are committed to celebrating Fals Borda’s centenary through numerous planned activities.

Introduction of Guest Speaker

Introduction of Rojas Mora, a poet from Barranco de Loba who will share stories about Orlando Fals Borda through décimas (a traditional poetic form).

Folklore and the Art of Décima

Introduction to Folklore in Education

The speaker introduces their background, emphasizing a lifelong engagement with folklore through teaching language and literature.

They mention the implementation of "festivals of language and literature" by the education sector in Bolívar, where students participated in various cultural activities like décima, oratory, and storytelling.

Understanding Décima

The speaker shares experiences from 2003-2004 when they recorded local singers performing décimas, highlighting that many did not understand its formal definition but could perform it due to oral tradition.

They explain that décima is a structured poetic form consisting of ten verses with specific rhyming patterns, which they taught to their students.

Teaching Techniques and Student Engagement

The speaker describes how they engaged students by explaining the structure of décima, including its rhyme scheme and thematic coherence.

They emphasize that décimas are an essential expression of Caribbean culture and connect Spanish poetry traditions with local practices.

Cultural Significance of Décima

The speaker elaborates on how décimas reflect both Spanish poetic forms and Caribbean musical traditions, often performed a capella without instruments.

They recount learning about different regional styles during an event in Cartagena where their students excelled in competitions related to décima.

Personal Connection to Folklore

The speaker reflects on their personal journey with folklore through interactions with notable figures like Fal (a musician), linking this experience back to their hometown's cultural heritage.

They express admiration for Fal’s work as foundational for understanding Caribbean history and identity.

Legacy of Fal and Continued Exploration

After Fal's passing, the speaker dedicated efforts to honor his legacy through research into his life and contributions using décimas as a medium for storytelling.

Sociological Contributions and Legacy

Early Career and Ideals

The speaker describes a sociologist who is a committed leftist, emphasizing their strong agrarian vision over a proletarian one. This individual began their consulting career at the OAS shortly after graduating in Brazil.

They were recognized for their pedagogical approach in rural social spheres, leading to their appointment as Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, where they founded the first sociology faculty in Colombia.

Pioneering Sociology in Colombia

The speaker highlights this individual's role as the first dean of the sociology faculty, which was groundbreaking for Latin America during that time.

Their scientific vision matured politically during the 1960s, gaining recognition for their contributions despite facing challenges from various political factions.

Commitment to Social Change

The speaker notes that this person's pursuit of social change was often mischaracterized as subversive but was rooted in a deep commitment to science and community engagement.

Their academic work focused on empowering rural communities through education and addressing issues related to land ownership and agricultural production.

Lasting Impact on Rural Education

The sociologist's influence extended into discussions about agrarian reform and communal actions aimed at improving rural living conditions.

They viewed education as an essential tool for societal transformation amidst Colombia's violent socio-cultural changes.

Artistic Expression and Cultural Heritage

The speaker reflects on how this individual's literary contributions served as a testament to their love for rural communities, encapsulated in poetic expressions that resonate with Colombian folklore.

Acknowledgments are made towards those who supported this legacy, including references to collaborative efforts within educational institutions.

Candelario Besso: A Cultural Icon

Introduction of Candelario Besso

An introduction is made regarding Candelario Besso, highlighting his significance within cultural narratives through poetry and performance art.

Performance Elements

Descriptions emerge about an artistic performance featuring an elderly figure symbolizing wisdom and tradition, engaging with nature through music and dance.

Candelario's Melancholic Journey

The Nostalgic Night

Candelario often wandered alone at night, singing strange verses to the moon and stars, reflecting his deep nostalgia and melancholy.

He expressed his sorrow through a poignant verse lamenting the absence of stars in the sky, revealing his emotional state during these solitary moments.

Arrival in Honda

After navigating through the river, Candelario arrived in the city of Honda, where he was known for his poetic expressions.

Despite being poor and black from a rural background, he made the journey to Bogotá, which was considered a cultural hub at that time.

Love and Longing

In Bogotá, Candelario fell in love with a beautiful white woman who evoked intense feelings within him akin to butterflies fluttering in his stomach.

He described love as a mix of pleasure and anxiety but also noted how it could turn into despair when unreciprocated.

Unrequited Affection

Despite his persistent affection and heartfelt poetry directed towards her, the woman never acknowledged Candelario’s feelings due to societal barriers.

He wrote her an eloquent poem questioning why she treated him poorly despite being capable of compassion beyond appearances.

The Poet's Struggle

Candelario argued against societal prejudices about race and class by asserting that true beauty can be found hidden within darkness (like diamonds in coal).

His poems were filled with longing; he expressed that even if she did not understand him fully, he would always cherish her presence.

Reflection on Identity

A friend advised Candelario to reflect on his worth as a poet rather than focusing on unrequited love. This highlighted themes of self-worth versus societal standards.

Despair Leading to Tragedy

Overwhelmed by emotions and feeling inferior due to social status, Candelario struggled with thoughts of hopelessness regarding his love life.

In response to advice about forgetting her, he passionately declared that even divine intervention wouldn't make him forget her; this illustrates the depth of his obsession.

The Final Act

Consumed by despair and unable to cope with his emotions any longer, Candelario resorted to drinking heavily as an escape from reality.

Candelario's Legacy and Personal Reflections

The Story of Candelario

A narrative begins with the mention of a hospital visit where Candelario suffered from acute peritonitis, leading to his death shortly after being detained for 15 minutes.

Candelario draws a parallel between his impending death and the game of target shooting, expressing that he aimed for the "white" but hit the "black," symbolizing a deeper existential reflection.

The speaker shares their personal connection to Candelario, describing him as one of the most beloved poets in their life, highlighting his significant impact on their upbringing.

Influence of Fals Borda

The speaker recounts childhood memories with their father learning poems by Candelario and how this influenced their journey into theater.

A poignant moment is shared about visiting Fals Borda on his deathbed; he expressed clarity despite his condition, marking an emotional farewell that deeply affected the speaker and their father.

Witnessing their father's vulnerability during this moment was striking for the speaker, contrasting with their perception of him as an unbreakable figure.

Cultural Reflections and Artistic Endeavors

After Fals Borda's passing, the speaker reflects on how they bid farewell through music, emphasizing cultural connections in moments of grief.

The speaker discusses ongoing research into ancestral wisdom from Colombian Caribbean culture, sharing stories through various artistic mediums like music and poetry.

Personal Dedication

An emotional dedication is made to a brother who serves as a major artistic influence in the speaker's life; gratitude is expressed publicly for this relationship.

Closing Thoughts