by Naeche Vincent
Erika Nuñez is a Philadelphia-based artist who has used her talent to spread awareness about the issues that lie at the intersection of immigration and criminal justice. Nuñez is a queer, immigrant, artist and community organizer here in Philadelphia. As an immigrant from Mexico, Nuñez focuses her art on her personal culture and experiences, using her background to promote social change. She has headed local and national campaigns alike, sweeping the nation with her creative and effective work.
Photo by MICHAEL BRYANT. Erika Guadalupe Núñez holds the placard she created for South Philadelphia households to display to promote solidarity in the wake of ICE raids.
In 2017, Nuñez created a piece to speak on resistance against immigration raids. In her work, she depicts a young boy with his hand up, signifying, “Stop.” This work was made into a place card for immigrant families to place in their windows. On the back of the card, Dos and Don’ts were listed to inform families of what to do if immigration forces or police come knocking at their doors. The pieces took over South Philadelphia and could be seen in many windows. Nuñez used the power of her art to start a protective and insightful movement in the area. Read more.
