Yellow Heart Memorial demands end to COVID-19 politicization
Yellow Heart Memorial state leaders Ashley Cook, Stephanie Zavala, founder Rosie Davis and state chapter leader Marlene Bojorquez helped organize the vigil to honor victims of COVID-19. They also honored their friends and family who died from the virus during the memorial on Dec. 23. (Photo by Vincent Medina)
NORWALK – The California chapter of Yellow Heart Memorial held a vigil at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex on Dec. 23 to remember victims of COVID-19 and advocate for an end to the politicization of the virus.
Dozens of people braved the downpour of rain to mourn as a community for their loved ones who died from the virus.
Rosie Davis, the founder of the national movement, helped organize the vigil with the state’s chapter leader Marlene Bojorquez.
“I lost my mother, Mary Castro, to COVID-19 on May 17, 2020. I did the first memorial in my backyard, and I wanted to bring it to a community level because we were all robbed of the opportunity to grieve for our loved ones,” said Davis.
The activist aims to humanize the COVID-19 death toll data by holding memorials so the community will associate the deaths with a person. Her message is also reflected in the movement’s hashtag #notjustanumber.
Yellow Heart Memorial leaders also criticized state governments’ handling of the virus. They called on politicians to do more to end the pandemic.
“Watching from Texas, what California does is take action to protect their constituents, which is a lot more than what we are getting in Texas,” said Davis. “There are no mandates in Texas for masks or vaccines. For me to watch Newsome, at least he is doing something and taking action.
Republican governors and congressional representatives continue to downplay the virus, which leads to more infections and death in red states.
“I wish they would stop trying to divide everybody and have everyone come together to fight the virus,” said Ashley Cook, a state leader in the movement.
COVID-19 victims are honored during Yellow Heart Memorial at Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex. The movement's national and state leaders organized the vigil on Dec. 23. (Photo by Vincent Medina)
Political ideologies continue to create problems in implementing COVID-19 safety procedures and treatment, such as wearing a mask or receiving the vaccine. Also, people continue to deny the virus exists, despite the over 800,000 deaths in the U.S. from the virus.
“I work in the restaurant business, and people regularly tell me not to wear the mask,” said Cook. “One customer actually told me that my Dad did not die from COVID, and I had an arguing match with her about how he passed away.”
While members of the movement encourage others to take the COVID-19 vaccine, they continue to debate over mandating the immunization.
“I think taking the vaccine is somebody’s choice,” said Bojorquez. “If getting the vaccine is something you are interested in, you should get it. I am vaccinated, and so are my children.”
Cook agreed but suggested that people who do not receive the vaccine should refrain from public gatherings, so others are not at risk.
California chapter state leader Stephanie Zavala argued for a vaccine mandate on medical workers and hospital staff.
“I work in a hospital in Fresno, it’s a level one trauma center. We have 800 beds and two floors of COVID ICU patients,” said Zavala. “I think nurses need to be vaccinated because they are taking care of these patients. I didn’t hesitate to take the vaccine.”
Bojorquez continues to add names to her Yellow Heart Memorial on her front lawn at 12922 McLaren St.
Approximately 400 people in Norwalk have died from COVID-19.