Comuna 13 (Yvette Saldana)

Once at the heart of Colombia’s armed conflict, Comuna 13 in Medellín was a battleground for drug cartels, guerrilla groups, and paramilitary forces. Its location made it a corridor for violence, leaving residents to endure years of fear, displacement, and instability. Today, Comuna 13 stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and transformation. Through the creative forces of music, dance, and street art, the community has rewritten its narrative. Murals now cover walls, once scarred by conflict, telling stories of hope, memory, and resistance. The sounds of hip-hop, reggaeton, and traditional rhythms echo through the streets, led by a new generation using art as a voice for change. Community-led tours, performances, and cultural projects have turned Comuna 13 into a vibrant museum, showing that creativity can heal, unite, and empower.

Celebrate People's History!
An original podcast created for LAST 495W with Dr. Hannah Burdette, Spring 2025