As we attempt to survive this current political moment, it is essential that we build coalitions with others and think of ways we can use common bonds to help fight oppression. There are so many different groups in this country who could and should be working together. In a land of perceived scarce resources, it is quite easy for groups to view one another as competition and unworthy of resource sharing. Stereotypes and misunderstandings continue to plague various racial and ethnic communities. If we are ever to survive this current regime, we must look beyond grievances and think of ways, large and small, to build meaningful relationships.
Let’s not be naïve; there are still hurt feelings from how some Latinos and Asian Americans voted in the 2024 election, especially after hearing the promises and vitriol of the Republican Party. Sadly, choices have consequences and we are now all suffering from the policies being implemented by the president, his party, and his entire administration.
I was reminded of the beauty and the power of coalitions and remembering shared histories after seeing the play “Mexodus” at Audible’s Minetta Theatre. It has been a long time since I have seen that much musical talent on stage. The 90-minute production was created and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson and was a mélange of song, rapping, acting, and a brilliant display of talent and friendship on stage.
“Mexodus” essentially reimagines two men meeting on the Underground Railroad as an enslaved man flees south to Mexico for his freedom. I wish I could describe the various emotions I felt while listening to songs that reminded me of Negro spirituals, Mexican ballads, dope hip hop rap battles, and a mix of instruments that made me downright jealous thinking of all the times I quit music lessons. The play has a lot going on, but the underlying message was thus: if we are to survive this moment, just as our ancestors survived past trials and tribulations, we must rely on one another and think past assumptions and stereotypes.
Although some groups are being targeted more than others in this particular moment, we would be naïve to think that the oppressive and racist and cruel tactics will only affect immigrants and undocumented people. We would be naïve to think that Black Americans won’t be used as pawns to exclude others before the tactics are then turned on the group. We must not forget the unimaginable level of racism and cruelty that have occurred on this land and what we must do to make sure those presently burgeoning tactics are stopped.
If you want to treat yourself to a night of uplifting music, acting, instruments, and hope, go see “Mexodus” at 18 Minetta Lane, New York, NY 10012, in Greenwich Village, running through October 18th.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University; author of the books “How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams” and “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream”; and co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC.