INTERVIEW #12: FEATURING LIZBETH HENRIQUEZ

El nombre de una mujer; she inspired me to learn that less is more, and more is less, and no one cares about your excuses. She lives simply, streamlined, and efficiently, yet feminine, drenched in muted colors, and too chic for your fashion-forward lens. Very euro- the very Bronx like a chameleon with the heart of a lion.

I met her in the West Side of Course, on grant Street (where real gangsters have been meeting real gangsters) since my grandfather’s butcher store was open. She was teaching English to refugees and new Americans, fitting for someone- who I would learn taught herself English at age 7. She told me she was a political science major and that did it. I knew we were going to become instant friends. She reminded me of myself frankly.

Why? Because political science is defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with systems of government, and the analysis of political activity and behavior. And any Latina who consciously chooses to study political science in my mind is a genius.

Liz and I both were done an injustice in our studies though, not taught about the history of women and or common folk. I always say I was taught the victors curriculum- the one where -it was told to us; all our Taino ancestors were killed, and colonization brought “progress” to our islands.

That’s not the true history. Liz being Dominican and Puerto Rican – taught through the lens of the separation, of our islands and our peoples. We weren’t told the Taino lived in both lands and creation stories said we emerged from caves in a sacred mountain on Hispaniola. Or that genetic studies show in Puerto Rico, that a high proportion of people have “Amerindian mtDNA.” Thus, the Taino survived. And their ideas and lives were expressed in art- left out of our textbook.

History teaches us to separate ourselves, but unity is our strength as evidenced by the labor and women’s rights movements and activists like Luisa Capetillo. Who changed the course of politics across the Caribbean just by wearing pants in public! She went on to publish one of the first feminist theses in Puerto Rico. Liz and I are political scientists who have a serious responsibility to learn and rewrite our own histories of power. The new curriculum is based on the revolutionary idea: we survived thus we are the victors.

And what do they say- “To the Victor Go the Spoils”.

I’m just glad I don’t have to go at this alone. Lucky Liz matches her glamor with her grit.  Her quote “Be fearless about it.” Read her interview and you’ll see why she is.

THE INTERVIEW

Where were you raised, and what were the values taught in your home? I was born in the Dominican Republic and raised there for the first 7 years of my life. Then came Washington Heights. Those are my child(hoods) but the Bronx and Buffalo also raised me!  My parents did not play about me and my sisters, we were to be respectful first and foremost; Bendiciones (blessing) every time we said hi to our elders, and Con permiso (permission) if we needed to speak, were expected. We were also taught that family was love. My family means the world to us and growing up we always made sure to keep that present. I am very close with both my father’s and mother’s sides.  Lastly, hard work.  Growing up low income in DR. I understood at a very young age that nothing came easy and hard work was the only way I was going to get what I wanted in life. Since I can remember my father has been waking up at 3AM to head to work. He continues to inspire my dedication and ambition. 

What was your experience as a student? I love being a student. I loved going to school and learning. Growing up in the New York public schools was an experience of its own. My teachers cared for me and my learning. In primary school, especially, as a multi-language learner, I learned very fast and excelled tremendously. High school and college saw a different student in me. I started to notice all the holes in my education and that impacted my performance. I shifted from focusing on my academics and more on the social and extracurricular activities that supported the learning I was doing in classes. This meant joining clubs, becoming a leader in my spaces, and applying my knowledge to my every day.

When did you start working and what was your first or favorite job? I started working at like 9 babysitting my family’s kids. My first real job was at American Eagle when I was 18. My favorite job was working with Buffalo String Works. It was my first time stepping into the “real world” after graduating college. I was working with youth, community, and development in education; amidst covid-19. The most challenging and awarding experience I’ve ever had. 

What was the moment that you were inspired to take control of your future? At the age of 7, it was my third or fourth day in my new school in New York. I didn’t know a speaker of English. I came to school late and missed morning pick-up, so my grandfather dropped me off in the main office. They gave me a pass and told me to go to my classroom. I didn’t remember where it was and got lost. A teacher saw me wandering around and asked me something in English, I truly cannot remember. I said to her “No entiendo” and she replied “Como que tu no me entiendes? Tu tienes que saber Ingles.” she took me to the main office and then to my class. I went home that day and cried my eyes out. I knew right then and there that I had to learn English if I wanted to make it. I had to do this on my own and fast. And I did. 

What advice do you have for other Latinx people who want their voices to be heard in their community?

Be fearless about it. Get to know your community and seek the people, platforms, and resources that will support you. There are more people that want to listen than those who don’t. 

is your theory on human potential? It takes a village. If we’re able to come together humanly our potential as individuals have no limits. 

What is your opinion on the fact that Latinx women are the most underpaid?  As an underpaid Latina, I think is bullshit. Lol, don’t include this. I truly believe that there’s a need to be more conversation and more allies. The system is built to keep us suppressed; we shouldn’t be fighting this alone. As women are it important for us to understand that there is power in our strength. Our knowledge and impact are important.