Delaware lost a charismatic and powerful activist on Sunday, August 22, 2021. Cecilia was killed while helping at a crash scene. In honor of Cecilia’s contribution to her community, our team, and everyone she touched with her courageous and loving light, we have organized a special vigil for her. Together, let’s honor Cecilia.
Who: The Safe Communities Coalition, family, and friends
What: Vigil in honor of Cecilia Teresa Escobar-Duplan Where: Rodney Square 1000 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 When: Saturday, August 28th
Time: 10:00AM
We want the public to know the impact and magnitude that the heart of our “ Ceci” was all about. Cecilia Escobar-Duplan, in addition to her roles as a volunteer firefighter and security officer, was an activist in the state of Delaware. She was an active member of Network Delaware’s Safe Communities Coalition since 2018, speaking at protests and rallies, participating in community meetings, and advocating for policy change. Cecilia also played a pivotal role for the Delaware Immigrant Fund as Safe Communities sought to provide financial relief to undocumented Delawareans who were unable to receive federal CARES Act stimulus funding or state level unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
As a DACA recipient/Mexican immigrant, she authentically communicated feelings of defeat, hopelessness, and fear, while channeling those emotions into positive action. She wanted to see social change. As the oldest in her family, she always assumed a protective role and felt a duty to protect others too.
She paid her way through college because in her words, “It’s amazing to have a dream and do something for my community.” She wanted to make her family “more and more proud.” She wanted to “learn and understand how systems work in order to protect myself and others.” Cecilia refused to sit around waiting for change. Her long work hours, academic/professional endeavors, and personal struggles never stopped her from volunteering.
There is no denying that Cecilia was a shining star; a courageous public servant in our community. Cecilia was articulate, creative, and expressive. Her positive energy had the ability to transform a room. May her spirit live on as we uphold the life principles that Cecilia shared with us by:
● Reading to become more informed and educated citizens
● Using our knowledge and applying it in service to others
● Fighting for what we believe in through policy change
● Protecting those who remain oppressed
● Dreaming of a better society
● Volunteering to better our community
● Never quitting, not even when things are hard
What happened to Cecilia is a very sad tragedy but we can celebrate Cecilia’s life as a victory. Cecilia constantly shared that she wanted to make a difference and contribute to society and that she did.
Cecilia’s friends and family have created a GoFundMe page to support Cecilia’s expenses. Here is the link for anyone who wants to give back to Ceci. https://gofund.me/efa7989d
Photograph from April 2019 after a meeting with Governor Carney regarding immigrant rights in Delaware. Left to Right – Erika Gutierrez, Marihelen Barrett, Dalissy Washington, and Cecilia Escobar-Duplan. (Not photographed but In spirit Kate La’Monica and Julia Gill)
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About Safe Communities: The Safe Communities Coalition is a coalition of groups working to protect our immigrant communities and together promote policies that foster trust and clarity.
