Cuauhtémoc was the nephew of Moctezuma II, and became the the last Aztec emperor until his torture and death at the hands of the Spanish conquistadores. He sacrificed his life fighting against Spanish colonialism. He was also known as Guatemotzin.
Tlatoani Cuauhtemoc’s Last Speech. August 12, 1521.
Cuauhtémoc spoke these words were spoken nearly 500 years ago, at the end of a terrible battle to drive the Spanish conquistadores out of the Mexica capital Tenochtitlán. Overwhelmed by disease and Spanish cannons, Cuauhtémoc had been captured in combat and was taken prisoner by Hernán Cortés. This was his last speech as Tlatoani of the Mexica, and therefore this speech represents the last independent words spoken on behalf of the Mexican people, before the Spanish conquest changed our history from a free and independent culture, to a subservient and dependent nation.
This document represents a period in the history of Nuestra América which Unión del Barrio has identified as the beginning of our legacy of struggle.
Our Sun is now hidden from view. The face of our Sun has disappeared, and has left us in complete darkness. But we know it will return again, that it will rise again, and it will begin to illuminate us anew.
But while our Sun is away, and remains in the residence of silence, we must swiftly join together and embrace. And in the very center of our being, we must hide all that our hearts love, and hide all we know is a great treasure.
We will destroy our creative centers, our schools, our ball courts, our youth centers, our places of song and diversion. Let happen until only our desolate streets remain, and we will only find comfort within our homes.
This will be until that time when our new Sun rises.
Dearest fathers and mothers, you must never forget to show young people the way, to teach your children. Make your children understand that while they live, it is evidence of how good to us our dearest mother earth Anahuac has been.
We have the shelter and protection of our destiny, expressed through great respect and positive behavior, and confirmed by those that have come before us. We keep them in mind because our parents enthusiastically cultivated this within our spirit. Then it will be the time for our children to assume their responsibilities.
Do not forget to keep your children informed, remind them of how wonderful it will be, how we will rise again, and understand the reach of our power.
And at that time we our mother earth Anahuac will realize her great destiny.
