Our lives have led us to this point.There is a logic that has brought us here. We have studied certainly, but we have also been educated the hard way; blood has been spilled and tears have been shed. Yet here we stand in the midst of our own sorrow and sadness watering lotus leaves, flowers of hope. We refuse to take a step back. We refuse to apologize or compromise where dignity or humanity is concerned. Our eyes have been opened. We have stared honestly at ourselves in the mirror and looked even closer at the children who follow in our path. We are proud of what we see. We wish to pluck thorns from their feet and try to break a path that will make their walk easier, so that they might walk further than we are able. We will be misguided at times. We will make mistakes. We may not shine bright enough to see in the dark and, at times, we may even cast a shadow that offends. Even so, despite our own turmoil, misgivings and failures we will try to make a difference, to make a contrubition. We try as a business, as an institution, and as individuals. We are committed to that effort and invite anyone to join us. Furthermore, we are pleased to join anyone if we might be able to strengthen their efforts or ease their load. If you are better than us, we applaud you. If you are more intelligent than us, then may we learn from you. We are not asking permission from anyone to walk a path that we know is right. If you are wiser than us, then please counsel us. If you are more powerful than us, then please empower us. We want to build something beautiful in this city that honors those who have walked before us, that testifies to the lives they have led and insures they will not be forgotten. We want a place that honors our communities and youth. We want a place that flourishes with creativity and artistry, that gives rise to conscience and understanding. If credit is important to you, then let it be named after you. We are aware that we stand on the shoulders of giants and that we are small, especially in the causes that concern us. We have been touched by the sincerity of others, and as a result, that sincerity burns in us so that we might light the fire in another. We claim to be nothing but a few people with a desire for a better city where the people we love can thrive. Therefore, we claim space. Right now, we are claiming this little corner. It is not much, but for the moment it is what we have. We wish to share it with anyone and everyone. We hope that it grows. We are here watering hope. If anyone would like to help in this tiny garden we have created, then please sink your hands into the soil and plant your own seeds of change. We offer you our tools and our water if you wish. If you chose not to dig here, a furrow will always be waiting. Que te vaya bien!
Mestizo Coffeehouse
