Cortez the killer.

This piece is a video montage in which Los Cenzontles recreate Neil Young's classic song 'Cortez the Killer.' In this video Los Cenzontles continue their exploration of Mexican cultural roots by describing the encounter between Hernán Cortés and the Aztec people. Using footage of Aztec ruins and clips of people performing traditional dances, the video underlines the forced disappearance of an entire civilization while presenting the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Los Cenzontles is a band, a nonprofit organization, a music academy, a community space for youth and families, and a hub for Latino artists. Since 1989 Los Cenzontles has produced original music, videos, and educational tools, playing a central role in the Mexican roots revival in the United States. Throughout more than 25 years of constant work, Los Cenzontles has shared its founder Eugene Rodriguez' vision: that young people empowered as artists and teachers can build upon the past to create a better future. Los Cenzontles remains unique among nonprofits nationally in demonstrating the potential of Latino cultural programming and production to transform individuals and communities from withinches Over the years, the academy has served immigrant children, third-generation Mexican Americans as well as children who are mixed and from various ethnic backgrounds. The band has recorded songs that capture the poetry of the indigenous Purépecha language and composed music aimed to inspire and rally the community toward empowerment and engagement and against contemporary injustices. Los Cenzontles has broadcast its journey via its documentary series, web-based video shorts, and 'digital scrapbooks' aimed at capturing the first person stories of resilience by Mexican American music- and culture-makers. These media productions combine music videos and interviews to highlight themes of inclusion, education, and social justice.