In 2021, a question of, "How do you want to celebrate Latinx/Hispanic heritage month?" led me to spend eight months planning and organizing the first Latine storytelling event in Baltimore City. The idea grew beyond what I intended with the help and support from numerous community organizers, grassroots organizers, university faculty, and community members who work to amplify our voices in Maryland. 

I made the decision when first envisioning the event to create a space that allowed Latine youth and families to share their stories without being limited by language or written barrier. This created a space for the community to tell their stories through monologues, performances, poetry, digital mediums, and art. 

Throughout the process of creating this event, I learned of the ever-present need for our stories to be heard and understood as almost 100+ people attended the main event Raíces y Recuerdos. 

The purpose of De aquí de allá (From here from there) was to understand what the word "undocumented" and "immigrant" meant and represented for those in the community. Through in-depth conversations where participants can 'listen in' on a conversation between people from the Latine community they can understand the complexity in the phrase "De aquí de allá". 

The event built the structure for future sessions to be included in the conversation.

No videos or photos were taken to maintain confidentiality of the panelists and participants.