It is so important to support our Native people fighting to protect our water! They are peacefully protesting to protect one of the main water sources in the U.S. against the building of yet another oil pipeline that will (as they all do) eventually leak and poison the water. This is the only natural source of water for the Standing Rock Sioux. These peaceful protectors are now being brutally attacked by a militarized police force and this is largely being ignored by the federal and state government and national media.

For those of us who cannot be there on the ground, these are ways in which we can contribute and support:

1. Call North Dakota governor Jack Dalrymple at 701-328-2200. When leaving a message stating your thoughts about this subject please be professional.

2. Sign the petition to the White House to Stop DAPL: Https://Petitions.Whitehouse.Gov/…/Stop-Construction…

3. Donate to support the Standing Rock Sioux: Http://Standingrock.Org/…/Standing-Rock-Sioux-Tribe…/

4. Donate items from the Sacred Stone Camp Supply List: Http://Sacredstonecamp.Org/Supply-List/

5. Call the White House at (202) 456-1111 or (202) 456-1414. Tell President Obama to rescind the Army Corps of Engineers’ Permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline.

6. Contribute to the Sacred Stone Camp Legal Defense Fund: Https://Fundrazr.Com/D19fAf

7. Contribute to the Sacred Stone Camp gofundme account: Https://Www.Gofundme.Com/Sacredstonecamp

8. Call the Army Corps of Engineers and demand that they reverse the permit: (202) 761-5903

9. Sign other petitions asking President Obama to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline: Https://Act.Credoaction.Com/Sign/NoDAPL

10. Call the executives of the companies that are building the pipeline:

a. Lee Hanse Executive Vice President Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 800 E Sonterra Blvd #400 San Antonio, Texas 78258 Telephone: (210) 403-6455 Lee.Hanse@energytransfer.com

b. Glenn Emery Vice President Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 800 E Sonterra Blvd #400 San Antonio, Texas 78258 Telephone: (210) 403-6762 Glenn.Emery@energytransfer.com

c. Michael (Cliff) Waters Lead Analyst Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. 1300 Main St. Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 989-2404 Michael.Waters@energytransfer.com


This list is reposted from The Hood Witch.

Hola AN Community! 

One of the common questions that I am asked is why I've named my business Azteca Negra. Well, my cultural background is Mexican and Black, my mother is Mexican and my father is Black. My cultural background has always been a huge part of my identity, as is my hair (but that is a whole different topic in itself!). My cultural background is usually in the top 5 questions I'm asked when I meet someone, and because I have a thing for blending words, I call myself a Blexican. Other Black Mexicans, like my handsome other half, call themselves Blaxican. Personally, I feel the former sounds better... but I digress.

During one of my college vacations, I came home and my mother told me that she had been listening to the radio a few weeks before and heard something new that I could call myself, "Azteca Negra". I loved it and put it on a mental post-it. So, fast-forward three years. I was between jobs and decided to start a little Etsy shop selling the cross-cultural, Mexican/African pieces that I created to fill the time between job applications. I wrote down 10 different names, and ran a few across my mother and my amazing friend (who I've just recently realized has been my life/business mentor for like... ever). To say the least, all of the names were terrible, nothing caught the essence of the pieces. Both my mother and friend asked, "Why not use 'Azteca Negra'?". 

As the typical, fist-time entrepreneur, I second guessed everything... and still do. I thought it might be a little too much of an in-your-face brand name, and that it might deter people from buying. I had all intentions of changing it when I found a better title. I noticed at my first few vending events, that the name made some people uncomfortable. But on the flip side, so many others thought it was so kick ass! And now I wouldn't change it for the world. I think part of my own insecurities had seeped into the contemplation of naming my business. Insecurities about my pieces, how I am perceived as a woman of color, a beginning artist, and introducing my super-mix of color and culture into world. But I celebrate my culture everyday, I am Azteca Negra, and my pieces represent the lenses through which I see the world. 

Hola Azteca Negra Community, and welcome to AztecaNegra.com!

In addition to an array of beautiful new pieces in the Shop, AztecaNegra.com also features this Azteca Negra Blog, and the Community Love Photo Gallery! 

Be sure to follow @AztecaNegra on Instagram and Like our page on Facebook

Stay tuned for the Artist Love interviews, featuring some of my favorite dope artists sharing their experiences, artistic inspiration, and upcoming projects. AztecaNegra.com will also feature DIY Cultural Project and Azteca Negra style videos.

Also, Azteca Negra will have booths at some awesome upcoming events. Check out where we will be next at the bottom left of each page, under "Upcoming Events". It's always a pleasure to see you; so if you'll be at any of these shows, stop by and say hello!

Salud!
Marisol