Diane as she appears on the cover of her first book "In the Country We Love: My Family Divided"
You may be familiar with Diane Guerrero for her role of inmate Maritza on Orange Is the New Black, but she is so much more than that.
Early Life
Diane as a child
Education
Diane attended Boston Arts Academy performing arts high school. She was a musical student, and belonged to the schools jazz group. After studying Political Science and Communications at Regis college, Diane worked at a law office with the hopes of becoming a lawyer. She reports that even though she was interested in working with the government or being a social worker, she reports that throughout college she wished she had gone to a theater school.Career
Diane moved to New York after deciding to take on her dream of being an actress. She began taking various acting classes and was picked up by her current manager. She has since been cast in various Latina roles, fighting for the chance for more representation on TV and film. Her best known roles have been Lina on Jane the Virgin and Maritza on Orange is the New Black. Her role as Maritza has contributed to 2 wins for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in Comedy Series.
Guerrero as Maritza in Orange is the New Black
Activism
In 2016, Diane opened up about her family being deported in her book In The Country We Love: My Family Divided. She shares her life story of before and after she was left alone in this country and how the United States immigration system has failed her and many others. She is currently a volunteer for Immigrant Legal Resource Center and Mi Familia Vota, which is an organization that promotes civic involvement. She was named an Ambassador of Citizenship and Naturalization by the White House. Most recently, Diane speaks out against the government's poor choices when it comes to separating families, and how children and families will only suffer if this continues. Diane continues to use her voice to fight against separation of families.
Diane's Emotional Families Belong Together Speech
“Even if you can’t be an activist every day, when you can be, do it. If you have money, donate it. If you have time, donate that time. If you have a story to tell, share that story. There’s a list of things you can do, and even educating yourself is a form of revolution in my opinion.”
Diane's interview discussing her book and personal experience with deportation
I really enjoyed how you chose a woman warrior that is familiar from a popular tv show, but has a depth that most are unaware of. The quote you chose to close your blog post with is an interesting take that we do not often think about. While most people think that change happens through monetary donations, the importance of volunteering is also highly beneficial along with telling your own personal connections. While putting yourself out there can take courage, it is often a way to let people know that they are not alone. Her story may be from when she was a child, but it is even more relevant now.
ReplyDeleteDiane Guerrero's story growing up has contemporary import under the Trump administration, where ICE has become emboldened to separate families and racial discrimination has become unspoken law within certain circles. Her call for activism, involvement, and education is a message that resonates with today's feminists where contempt in the government forces the citizen to take matters into their own hands. I especially appreciate the quote you chose from her, she gives merit and value to any and every action that promotes equality.
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting to find out that Diane Guerrero is more than just an actress, but an activist as well. I didn't know that her family had been seperated from her family, and to see that she decided to not let that hold her back but instead do something about it is so important.
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