Voces para la Fraternidad: An Artist's Reflection from the Senate
On June 27, 2025, artist and educator Alejandro Muñoz Romero was invited to speak at the Encuentro Anual Internacional organized by the Colectiva Internacional para la Difusión y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos (CIDDHH). Held in the Permanent Commission Room of the Mexican Senate, the gathering brought together artists, Indigenous leaders, and international allies under the theme: "Tlahtolli tlen tlatskaniliztli, tlamantli yolilistli, huan tlamantli tlen nemiliztli tlen tlatlacazca" – "Voices for fraternity, shared prosperity, and social justice."
Representing his home state of Tlaxcala, Alejandro shared a reflection on the role of art in human rights and childhood development. What follows is his account of the journey—documented in his own handwritten journal.
We left home in San Pedro Muñozta at 5:10 a.m., heading to the bus terminal in Santa Ana Chiautempan. At 5:30 a.m., we boarded the bus bound for Mexico City. I reunited with my friend, Maestro Rubén García, who would also be speaking at the Senate.
After a stop in the state capital to pick up more passengers—families taking advantage of a school holiday—we continued the journey. I fell asleep and woke only as we arrived at the toll plaza in Chalco.
Traffic slowed as we entered the city. At 8:40 a.m., we arrived at TAPO. From there, we took a taxi to the Senate. The driver's friendly conversation helped ease the final stretch. We even had time to eat at a street stand before heading in.
Inside, we registered and passed through labyrinthine corridors. We arrived just in time for the opening ceremony—an emotional series of speeches about dignity, justice, and shared humanity.
In the plenary room, we took our seats. One by one, we were introduced. The moderator offered a summary of my trajectory and painting, then invited us to speak about our first memories with art. That question opened something deep—it resonated with all of us on the panel.
I shared how I try to ensure children engage with art not just as decoration, but as a meaningful tool. When the session ended, we were presented with certificates. A small gesture, but meaningful. We took a group photo among the colorful dolls and banners.
Afterward, we visited El Ángel de la Independencia, walking along Reforma Avenue past a vivid exhibition of painted sculptures—including one titled "Una noche en Tenochtitlan." A nearby protest filled the space with energy. We returned to the Senate by Metrobús.
Walking alongside art, activism, and history in the heart of the city.
The return to Tlaxcala was slow—traffic, a packed bus, the rhythm of daily life resumed. And yet, I carried something different back with me. A sense of presence, of having spoken truth from the place I stand in the world.
About Author
Alejandro Muñoz Romero
Alejandro is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Tlaxcala, Mexico.Self‑taught since 2004, he works mainly in oil and pastel.