Video Meet Belkis Terán, Tortuguita’s mother who continues the forest defender’s legacy

Tortuguita, an Indigenous queer and non-binary activist, died at the hands of Georgia State Patrol while participating in years-long protests against the construction of a $90 million, 85-acre police training facility called “Cop City” by opponents. In addition to fighting for justice through the legal system, Tortuguita’s mother, Belkis Terán, is continuing their legacy of struggle.

Transcript:

Attorney Brian Spears
We’re here today because the parents of Manuel Paez Terán are suing the men we believe responsible for the death of their son. Manuel Paez Terán, a 26-year-old honor student, was killed on January 18th, 2023.

Bashirah Mack
Just one day before the press conference, Atlanta Community Press Collective sat down with Belkis Terán to learn about Tortuguita beyond the headlines.

Belkis Terán
Tort was born April 23rd. The day they was born, when they put that baby in my arms, I felt so much energy. His energy since the beginning was very powerful.

Manuel has a Christian connotation. Emmanuel is God with us. I always saw that Manuel was a very special child of God. Since he was born. He came to give light to the people.

I think Manuel was somebody that cares about others. The story is that it was Christmastime, he was giving his toys away. And not only his toys, his clothes, his bags, his notebooks, everything. If somebody needed it, he would give it away.

At the university, he was creating the environmental club for his school. Not an easy person because he complains a lot for what’s happening.

Belkis Terán
The icon. So handsome, my son.

Pedro Paez
Your child.

Belkis Terán
My child? Yes. He/they. One occasion Manuel says to me, I don’t want to push you to do this “they” all the time, because I know that you are used to the regular way. But if you can try just to be gentle, and I say, well, I will try, I will try. And then the Spanish is more difficult. I get my education, with Manuel in that way. But they never expect that I change radically, understanding my background. Sometimes I forget, but I try to be respectful.

Bashirah Mack
Where did the nickname come from?

Belkis Terán
This was given by the Muskogee. The Muskogee met Manuel once, and they explained to them about the situation that they Muskogee claim the land and it was Weelaunee land.

Meeko Chebon Kernell
This is always going to be Muskogee land. No matter how loud you play your music, it’s always going to be our territory.

Belkis Terán
So he was very strong to help them, and they said to him that he was like a Tortuguita. I say, ‘Tortuguita’? Yes, Tortuguita is a warrior. It was related with helping people and peaceful. We like to repeat his name: Tort, Tortuguita. For me it’s still Manuel. But I respect a lot that name. Tortuguita. That’s why I created the Tortuguita Healing Center in his memory.

The Tortuguita Healing Center is a place and is an idea. My desire is that his memory stay with us. Three acres in Panama. I like to create a community for healing. We are still struggling. It’s not easy. It is not easy. When Manuel died. I was devastated. I have more sense of peace. My heart is not so, suffering.
My love for people here, it give me strength.

His legacy is helping people, helping the forest, helping the trees. We have to continue his legacy.