For many, Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, but it is also a time for serious reflection. The holidayâ€
We have decided to pass the mic and put the Spotlight on an Indigenous friend of TeachRock, to learn more about how he considers this celebrated but also deeply problematic holiday. We are honored to listen as PJ Vegas reflects on Thanksgiving and what it means to him in this essay.
Since as far back as I can remember I've always known the truth...... Thanksgiving is a lie.
To us as natives/indigenous peoples Thanksgiving is an unpleasant reminder of the genocide millions of our people endured during first contact with colonization seven generations ago. This is our day of mourning!
The colonial mindset almost spread faster than the smallpox did. With false narrative after false narrative being integrated into what we call “American history†we still somehow managed to emerge from the smoke, and reclaim our identity in the face of adversity.
Now weâ€
Alive and thriving in 2020 and the real story is being served up with a side of gravy for all who turn a blind eye to genocide. We stand on the truth of our ancestors not the lies of a Colonizer.
All in all enjoy your meal celebrate with your family but give thanks and remember
“The truth is out there if youâ€
“Chioke Uttesiaâ€
(Thank you in Yoeme language)
-PJ Vegas
Yoeme (Yaqui)
As our first Spotlight artist we are thrilled to feature PJ Vegas, singer, rapper, songwriter and producer from Los Angeles, CA and of Yoeme (Yaqui) heritage. He won a 2017 MTV VMA award for Best Video with a Message and was awarded a 2018 Native American Music Award for Best Independent Single. His father Pat Vegas is the bassist, guitarist and vocalist of Redbone, whose 1974 hit “Come and Get Your Love†was the first track by an indigenous group to break the Billboard Top 10.
Check out some of our favorite music from PJ Vegas and friends.
If that left you wanting more give a listen to PJâ€
http://smarturl.it/pjvegas-pesos