LOGO REVEAL!

The day is here! I’m so excited to finally reveal the new logo for Latinas Uprising!! You can tell how excited I am because this post is littered with exclamation points–my b! Four years ago, I picked the one picture taken of me at my swear-in and thought, this will do. And it has served me well, but it didn’t truly encompass the spirit of the community or what it has become.

Through Latinas Uprising, I have seen a swell of dedicated, passionate, intelligent, educated women who are empowered to use their skills and knowledge to advance our communities. I am so honored to be a part of this group, who keep me motivated and optimistic about the future.

So without further delay, here is the new logo:

I love her!

This design was created by Carina Guevara a Latinx artist. She took my vision and idea and created something super strong and powerful.

Essentially, I wanted a Lady Justice, but one that was true to us.

First, I wanted her moving forward (like we are), which is why she is active and not just standing in place.

Second, I didn’t want her blind-folded. The idea that justice is blind (while a worthy goal) is untrue. We see how the laws negatively impact our communities because of race and gender. Instead, she has her eyes open, fully aware. And that is how we should enter our careers in this field.

Third, I wanted her in traditional dress, something with which many Latinx communities could identify. I asked Carina to use the traditional Panamanian Pollera as a starting point, along with the dresses worn in Puerto Rico and Mexico. These flouncy, detailed, embroidered dresses are a common tradition throughout Latin America, each country with slight variations, and I loved that you can’t pinpoint where her dress is from, but it jumps out to anyone that it is based on Latinx/Indigenous culture.

Finally, my favorite part–the machete. In traditional images, Lady Justice holds a sword. The sword represents the authority and punishment of the law. Something our communities know all too well. I hated it. Instead, she holds a machete, which while still a blade, is traditionally a tool with Latin America. It is used to clear paths and to help with other household chores. That is exactly how we should use the law–as a tool, for us to fix and put in place real law and policy that advances our families and communities. I also love the symbolism because, while it is primarily a tool, machetes are used in uprisings and what is our involvement in the law if not an act of resistance and a revolt against abusive and oppressive powers?

So, to repeat, I love her!  I love that she represents the spirit of what Latinas Uprising is and aims to be. I hope you love her just as much as I do! Please share! Just make sure to credit the site and Carina, who put in such great work! (and I highly, highly recommend her for any illustration needs!).