In my inbox, there’s an email with a purple flier attached. Distributed by the Harvard Library, it depicts a white skull in a decorative hat, announcing a “Día de los Muertos” celebration. The event’s webpage boasts “performances by students and staff” and “remarks” from faculty. It was held yesterday in the Widener Library’s West Stacks Reading Room.
I had hoped to attend. Harvard has been my home for two decades. I am among the only 4 percent of its tenured faculty who are Hispanic or Latino. The event, which marks a traditional Mexican holiday honoring dead loved ones, is co-sponsored by multiple Latino student groups across campus.
I should have been there. But I wasn’t allowed in the building……more
