Kansas City, Mo., September 27 – For five centuries, the sudden collapse of one of the world’s greatest empires has mystified many historians and led countless followers of history to believe that its people also vanished. But were the Mexihcahs – a people more commonly known as the Aztecs – wiped from existence by virtue of the Spanish conquest? And, as our history books suggest, did human sacrifice truly play a pivotal role in their culture? In just a few days, Kansas City will learn the surprising truth about this ancient empire … from the Mexihcahs themselves.

Mexihcahs: Keepers of the Fire, a new traveling exhibit by photographer Wesley Billingslea and the descendents of Mexico’s legendary civilization, will open on October 7 at the Guadalupe Centers, Inc. (GCI) Cultural Arts Center, 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez. This unique collaboration not only provides the Mexihcahs with one of the first opportunities in five hundred years to write their own history, but it also documents the modern-day survival story of an often-misunderstood culture.

”Through the centuries, much has been written about the Mexihcahs. But the vast majority of what we’ve been taught came from the accounts of everyone except the Mexihcahs, ” said Billingslea. ”It’s time to change that. ”

Living amongst them for weeks at a time, Billingslea spent nearly three years gaining the trust of the often-guarded Mexihcahs before he was granted permission to share their true story with the world. Eventually, this close relationship gave him access to aspects of everyday life and rituals that rarely have been witnessed by outsiders. His resulting work, and the centerpiece of the exhibit, features striking black-and-white portraits and documentary-style photographs that vividly depict how tradition continues to play a vital role in the lives of today’s Mexihcahs.

The exhibit’s historical context is presented through handmade artifacts, artwork and the poignant text of Maestro Sergio Ocelocoatl Ramirez – a respected teacher and Mexihcah elder. Translated into English, Spanish and classic Nahuatl – the Mexihcahs’ native language – the text also details their on-going struggle for basic human rights and recognition by the Mexican government, tasks that are made more difficult because of their indigenous roots.

”Our overall hope for this exhibit is very simple, ”said Billingslea. ”That people set aside some of their preconceived ideas and prejudices about indigenous people and the Mexihcahs, and that they open their minds to a new level of awareness and understanding. ”

Mexihcahs: Keepers of the Fire is the first major art exhibit to be held at the GCI Cultural Arts Center since an $8 million renovation project was completed in August 2003. The exhibit’s one-month run, which will also include presentations to students and members of the community by Billingslea and Maestro Ocelocoatl, coincides with local events surrounding National Hispanic Heritage Month.

According to GCI executive director Chris Medina, the timing could not be better. ’This is an excellent and exciting opportunity to explore our future by looking at our past. ’ Founded by a Kansas City catholic women’s club in 1919 as a school and clinic for Mexican immigrants, GCI is recognized today as one of the longest continually operating organizations serving Latinos in the United States.

A smaller but no less significant exhibit by Billingslea will also make its Kansas City debut alongside Mexihcahs: Keepers of the Fire.

The Indigenous Council of Oaxaca focuses on one of the very first public demonstrations by the people of the state of Oaxaca to be accepted by their government as full-fledged citizens of Mexico. Billingslea, who was visiting the region in June of 2003, captured the exhibit’s powerful photographs when he unintentionally found himself in the midst of the protest.

The exhibits opening reception will be held from 6:00 to 9:00pm on October 7 at the GCI Cultural Arts Center. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. For more information about the reception, or to schedule group tours through November 7, please call (816) 421-1015. Founded by a Kansas City catholic women’s club in 1919 as a school and clinic for Mexican immigrants, GCI is recognized today as one of the longest continually operating organizations serving Latinos in the United States."