A Folding Chair

A Folding Chair is inspired by Shirley Chisholm’s quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Chisholm encouraged others not to wait for an invitation but to pull up a chair with all they bring to the table and make their own space in the conversation. With A Folding Chair, I use a variety of symbols to share my experiences as a woman of color, immigrant, Latina, and artist living in the southeast of the United States. I have faced challenges in being heard, seen, included, and recognized in different settings, from casual social gatherings to workspaces. It is particularly frustrating for me, as I am introverted and self-conscious about communicating in another language due to my dyslexia. However, I have valuable perspectives to offer, shaped by my background and life journey. Despite being different, I proudly wear a luchador mask (fighter mask) and carry my personal history – childhood, beliefs, education, heritage, and values – ready to be shared once I open my folding chair and join the conversation at the table.