Handprints and hope

by Brian Cockman

Think about the word fingerprint, and what usually comes to mind is a crime scene swarming with police who are “dusting for prints,” or identification safety programs to keep children safe. Some of us might even reminisce about providing fingerprints on immigration documents or federal forms. So if a fingerprint represents us as an individual, what do our handprints say about us? A handprint is just as unique as a fingerprint, but somehow it reminds us of our humanity and the similarities we share.

I was very fortunate to leave my handprint on the Flag of Hope on April 30 in support of diversity and understanding within North Carolina’s communities. I had the opportunity to tour the Old North State with Colombian artist and social activist, Edwin Gil, in March and April to collect handprints, signatures, and birthplaces on giant pieces of canvas. These canvases were sewn together to make up the nation’s first ever handprint flag (16’ X 44’) made by the residents of North Carolina. Gil held 19 events in 12 cities across North Carolina with the main goals of bringing together different cultures and promoting cultural awareness through art.

As Eric Cortes alluded to in his “Art for Social Change” story back in 2010, art has the power to effect positive social change in our communities. It’s quite interesting that Gil chose to collect handprints to construct this flag; he holds that our country and state were built by the hands of people from all walks of life and backgrounds. I also found it interesting that something as distinctive as a handprint could serve to unite people from different races, socio-economic groups, sexual orientations, and religions. In fact, more than 10,000 people agreed with this idea and placed their handprint on the Flag of Hope as a sign of unity.

Gil also commented to me that for the first time since arriving in the U.S. 10 years ago, he understands US culture and how we’re all fundamentally the same. There were many stories of hope, sacrifice, and dreams that arose as people placed their handprints on the canvas, and I had the good fortune to meet many a kindred spirit. One encounter that sticks out in my mind was from the people of Uniting NC. According to Uniting NC board chair, Randy Jones, both the Flag of Hope and Uniting NC work to build understanding, respect, and vibrant communities for everyone who calls North Carolina home.

What’s more, Randy and his wife Barbara invited us to their home after the Flag of Hope event in Raleigh concluded. It struck me that sitting around their dinner table was a married couple from up north, an interracial gay couple, and people ranging from ages 25 to 65–all because of the power of a social art project in bringing people together via handprints. Our handprints teach us a valuable lesson indeed; that is, combining our unique qualities makes us stronger, happier, and more hopeful.

To learn more about Brian Cockman (@bcockman) and his pro bono work, visit Rooster Communications or go to Gringos For Latinos.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those
of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.

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