Bringing Argentine History to Life: A Father's Poder

On Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, a piece of Argentine history came to life on stage as Argentine Betterment Corporation presented the return of A Father's Poder, a play written by Gary Bradley-Lopez and co-directed by Gary Bradley-Lopez and Victoria Barbee. 

The production tells the true story of Saturino Alvarado, a Mexican immigrant father who, in the 1920s, fought for his children's right to attend Argentine High School. Faced with barriers, discrimination, and a system that told him no, Saturino refused to give up. He fought for his children and he won. 

For ABC, bringing this story back to the stage was about much more than putting on a play. It was about remembering an important chapter of Argentine history and sharing that history with a new generation. 

A Story That Still Matters  

Argentine has always been a community shaped by immigrants and families who came here looking for a better life, opportunity, safety, and a place to raise their families. They worked hard, faced challenges, and helped build the community we know today. 

Saturino Alvarado's story is one part of that larger history. 

During the performances, we were especially honored to welcome several of Saturino Alvarado's relatives. For some, the play offered an opportunity to see their family's story brought to life. For others in the audience, it was a chance to learn more about a piece of local history they may not have known before. 

There is something incredibly powerful about seeing history not just written in a book or displayed on a plaque, but brought to life by young people on a stage in the very community where that history took place. 

That story is important not only because of what Saturino accomplished, but because it reminds us of the people and families who have shaped Argentine throughout its history. 

During my remarks before the play I shared my own family's connection to Argentine: 

"My paternal great-grandparents came to Argentine during World War I from Belgium because they were looking for safety for their family. They came here, they put down roots, and their story became part of Argentine's story." 

That is what makes Argentine so special. Our history belongs to all of us. It is made up of different cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and generations of people who have called this community home. 

From the Mural to the Stage 

The idea for A Father's Poder grew from ABC's ongoing work to preserve Argentine's history. 

A few years ago, ABC began working on the restoration of The Anthology of Argentine mural. What began as an effort to restore a significant piece of public art became something much bigger. As we researched the mural and the stories represented in it, we were reminded of just how much history exists right here in our community. 

The mural tells stories of Argentine's Indigenous history, our immigrant roots, the Great Argentine Flood of 1951, and so much more. 

Restoring it opened our eyes to the importance of preserving these stories and helped set ABC on a path toward doing more to tell Argentine's story and make sure those stories are not forgotten. 

Because history isn't just something that happened a long time ago. 

History is the foundation we build our future on. 

When we look back, we can see the hard work, hurdles, and struggles of the people who came before us. We can understand the sacrifices they made and the courage it took for them to stand up for their families and their community.  

And when we understand where we've been, it helps us understand where we want to go. 

A New Generation Telling an Old Story 

One of the most meaningful parts of this project was seeing young people take on the responsibility of telling Saturino's story. 

The students involved in the production put their heart and soul into the performances. Their dedication was evident on stage, and audiences responded with enthusiasm and appreciation for their work. 

The cast included: 

Ismeal Michel - Saturino Alvarado 

Melannie Delego-Sanchez - Helen/Juana 

Siery Chapa - Luz 

Derrick Kamram - Jesse 

Finley Morris - M.C. Pearson/Governor/Student 

Hailey Buckner - Concepcion 

Gary Bradley-Lopez - Harry/Mexican Consulate 

As part of the project, the student actors will receive diploma + credits for their work on the production, giving them an opportunity to earn meaningful recognition for the time, talent, and dedication they invested in bringing this story to life. 

We couldn't be prouder of these young people. 

We also hope that projects like this help young people understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. The history of a community isn't just made by famous people or written in history books. It is made by ordinary people who stand up for their families, their neighbors, and what they believe is right. 

Saturino Alvarado was one of those people. 

More Than a Play 

For ABC, A Father's Poder was about remembering. It was about honoring the people who came before us and making sure the next generation knows that they are part of Argentine's story. 

Saturino's story is one of courage and determination. 

Our families' stories are part of that history, too. 

And every family who has called Argentine home has a story that contributes to the history of this community.  

That is the uniqueness of Argentine. It is our history. It is our closeness. It is the diversity of the people who have built their lives here. And it is the fact that generation after generation, people have continued to care about this place and about one another. 

At ABC, we believe preserving that history is one of the ways we can strengthen our future.  

We hope everyone who attended A Father's Poder left with a greater appreciation for the history of Argentine-and perhaps with a desire to learn more about their own family's place in that history. 

Because when we preserve our stories, we preserve the identity of our community. 

And when we teach those stories to the next generation, we give them the opportunity to help write what comes next. 

Thank You to Our Partners  

A project like this doesn't happen without a community coming together. 

Argentine Betterment Corporation is incredibly grateful to Visit KCK for their valued partnership and sponsorship of this production. We are also deeply thankful for the support provided through the Wyandotte County District Attorney's Office grant, which helped make this project possible. 

Their support allowed us to bring this important piece of Argentine history back to life while providing local students with a meaningful educational and artistic experience. 

We are grateful to everyone who attended, supported, promoted, volunteered, performed, and helped make A Father's Poder possible. 

Most importantly, we are grateful that Saturino Alvarado's story continues to be told. 

Thank you for helping us keep Argentine's history alive.