Emilio Delgado, These Flowers Are For You Sir!
Imagine being an immigrant kid, your madrecita sits you up in front of a TV screen to learn your Alphabet, and what do you see? A recognizable face; Luis on Sesame Street.
Being in a new country and not understanding the language is a daunting task for anyone, now imagine being 4 years old! But Luis was recognizable to me. He was Representation, before Representation even mattered!
For several years, Luis and Maria operated the Fix-it-Shop, where they repaired an assortment of items, including an innumerable quantity of toasters. Luis founded the shop with Rafael, a Puerto Rican neighbor, in the 3rd season. In 2014, Luis began maintaining the Bike Shop.
He represented what I saw in my neighborhood of East Oakland; a Mexican American man that owned some type of store, that was in many ways, a father figure to us all!
I was heartbroken to hear that Emilio Delgado, age 81 passed away yesterday of blood cancer multiple myeloma. He graced our screen for 45 years and will forever be in our hearts and our childhood Memories!
Thank you, Emilio! For making this scary city a more comfortable place, by making me feel seen and taught by a familiar face and persona.
