Reclaiming Roots & Returning Home with Cecily Relucio

Hope Dealer with José Rico

What does it mean to find hope and resilience amid life's darkest moments? Journey with us as I sit down with Cecily Relucio, whose story of overcoming adversity is both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Cecily opens up about her parents' immigration from the Philippines to a predominantly white, rural town in Illinois during the mid-1960s, facing cultural alienation and the harsh realities of living in a Sundown Town. She also shares her personal experiences with gender-based violence and the trauma of witnessing her mother's abuse, all while maintaining an unyielding pursuit of safety, love, and community.

Cecily's powerful narrative doesn't stop at personal hardship. She delves into the broader implications of structural violence, gaslighting, and the pervasive influence of colonial and imperial systems carried through her bloodline in the US. Her journey of recognizing her own agency amid adversity is a testament to the transformative power of self-love and community. We explore the critical role of reclaiming indigenous knowledge and fostering connections to land and life as sacred, linking personal empowerment to collective resistance against systemic oppression.
In this episode, Cecily also reveals the significance of reclaiming ancestral wisdom for liberation. She discusses her work of founding Umuwi and the crucial role of ethnic studies in developing critical consciousness. We talk about the necessity for BIPOC educators to practice decolonized, re-indigenized ways of knowing and the importance of creating spaces of safety, connection, and wholeness. Lastly, we reflect on the value of divine guidance, community support, and self-mastery in the healing process, drawing inspiration from the historical solidarity between Black and Brown communities. Join us for a profound conversation about resilience, agency, and the power of collective care and storytelling.

F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM

Chapter

1. Journey Towards Hope and Resilience (00:00:00)

2. Recognizing Agency Amidst Adversity (00:21:10)

3. Reclaiming Ancestral Wisdom for Liberation (00:32:34)

4. Embracing Divine Guidance and Community (00:59:01)