Translator’s Introduction to “Creating a Social Fabric in Exile” by Jacob Ellis Williams

Abstract

Jacob Ellis Williams’s essay-testimonio explains the origins and focus of La Feria Pinolera (The Nicaraguan Fair) and La Red de Mujeres Pinoleras [Nicaraguan Women’s Network (REMUPI)] which they co-founded with a small group of fellow Nicaraguan exiles in San José, Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Their essay-testimonio chronicles their life and social activism before and after Nicaragua’s April 2018 rebellion and subsequent socio-political crisis. It also details the challenges they face as a trans non-binary Afro-feminist from the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, an exile, and a human rights defender of the LGBTQI+ community. Parting from the REMUPI’s guiding principles and maxims –“Crear memoria viva,” “Hacer un tejido social,” “Hasta que la dignidad se haga costumbre,” “Lo último que nos puede quitar es la alegría,” “Mujeres resistiendo con resiliencia,” and “Un pedacito de Nicaragua en Costa Rica”– Ellis Williams articulates the interconnected work of the Nicaraguan Fair and REMUPI in addressing women’s economic emancipation, mental and psychosocial health, human rights, trauma, the use of inclusive language, and the role of food, art, and other cultural expressions in fostering community, joy, and resilience. To make visible the work and ideas of Ellis Williams, the Nicaraguan Fair, and REMUPI to a wider international reading public their essay-testimonio is available in Spanish and in English-language translation in volume 4, issue 1 of Mistral (2025).