Healing in Our Nepantla Third Space

Abstract

Through this chapter, the authors share their testimonios as Latina scholars who have experienced attempts of epistemicide at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the borderlands region of the United States. The authors reflect on the challenges they faced as students from the margins when attempting to bring their cultural knowledges and practices to academic spaces that proclaim to be Hispanic-serving. By coming together from a place of pain, they created a nepantla third space. The authors demonstrate how third space creation was a source of healing and hope as well as an impetus for action. They conclude their testimonios by sharing thoughts/consejos on lessons learned and recommendations for HSIs.