Intervention IV: Anti-Racist Community Days

On the 21st of March for the Anti-Racist Community Days, I had the opportunity to participate as a volunteer through Contorno Urbano. The event was filled with activities aimed at fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and solidarity against systemic racism. The morning began with an exhibition organized by EMUGBA (Ecomuseo Gitano de Barcelona), highlighting the rich history and struggles of the Roma community.

Following this, a roundtable discussion took place featuring representatives from Top Manta and the editorial project Vecins. The conversation, moderated by Vicky Canalla from Regularización Ya!, delved into the systemic barriers faced by migrant communities, particularly in relation to Spain’s immigration policies.

Due to unexpected rain, the event had to be relocated to TPK Art and Thought, ensuring that the morning sessions could continue. Despite the weather, the discussions were incredibly insightful, providing a platform for grassroots organizations and activists working toward the abolition of exclusionary immigration laws and the promotion of social justice.

In the afternoon, we moved to the Parque del Puente de Matacavalls, where I helped set up the sound system for the alfabetización sonora (sound literacy) workshop led by Danilo Marinho from Natura Poética. Unfortunately, just as everything was in place, the worsening rain forced the cancellation of the afternoon program.

While the weather disrupted some activities, the experience was deeply enriching. Since it was my first day volunteering with Contorno Urbano, I took on more of an observant role, listening and learning about the dynamics of the event and the organizations involved. Integrating into these spaces takes time, requiring humility and patience to understand the existing structures and the impact they have already built.

After the cancellation of the afternoon events, I joined the Contorno Urbano team for lunch, which became a casual but insightful moment. Rather than discussing strategies to strengthen networks, the conversation was more about the day-to-day realities of working within these organizations, how they function, their relationship with public institutions, and the constant challenges they face.

As always, political issues and policy barriers emerged as recurring obstacles, shaping the way these organizations operate and limiting their ability to create lasting change. It was a valuable introduction to the complexities of grassroots activism and the ongoing struggle to navigate institutional frameworks while maintaining a strong community-driven impact.

This first experience with Contorno Urbano allowed me to reflect on the importance of integrating myself into these communities not just as an observer but as an active participant. Understanding the dynamics of grassroots organizations from within will provide deeper insights into how making and ethnocognition manifest in community spaces. By immersing myself in these environments, I can see firsthand how knowledge is shared, how skills are transferred, and how cultural identity is preserved through collective action.