Justseeds members Melanie Cervantes and Jesus Barraza operate as Dignidad Rebelde, a powerful collaborative art duo centered in Oakland, California who believe that “art can be an empowering reflection of community struggles, dreams and visions.  Following the principles of Xicanisma and Zapatismo, we create work that amplifies people’s stories and to create art that can be put back into the hands of the communities who inspire it.”

“We recognize that the history of the majority of people worldwide is a history of colonialism, genocide, and exploitation.  Our art is grounded in Third World and indigenous movements that build people’s power to transform the conditions of fragmentation, displacement and loss of culture that result from this history.  Representing these movements through visual art means connecting struggles through our work and seeking to inspire solidarity among communities of struggle worldwide.”

They’re always printing, always teaching, always amplifying. But right now, they’re making a rare pitch for financial help: at the end of December, they were informed that they needed to vacate their art production studio, and fast. They’re making a rare pitch for donations to support the raw costs of moving all their equipment and setting up in their new space, and for aid in supplementing their sudden (and large) increase in monthly rent.

Please consider donating to help them out! You can find out more details about their fundraiser right here. Lend a hand if you can, and help Melanie and Jesus continue to do the work this world needs to see.