Melanio Escobar

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

This tattoo is deeply personal to me. It’s the first drawing my daughter ever made of the two of us, a simple yet powerful expression of our bond. When I decided to have it inked on my skin, I wasn’t just marking my body; I was preserving a piece of her innocence and love. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of how much she means to me and the profound connection we share. It’s a permanent piece of my heart.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

If the ink on my body could speak, it would say something like this: I don’t and won’t forget. Every line tells a story — of love, of loss, of struggle. I’m not just decoration; I’m a living memory. Melanio put me here so time wouldn’t erase what he feels, what he stands for, and who he loves. I’m his shield, his mirror, and sometimes, his screams. I am the scars of a fight for his rights and for his freedom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I’d split it between love, roots, and purpose. First, I’d make sure my family is safe and stable — maybe a down payment on a home, something that gives us peace. Then, I’d invest in what keeps me awake at night and driven during the day: journalism that speaks truth, exposes injustice, and defends human rights. It wouldn’t just be a win for me — it’d be a small victory for the causes I fight for every day.