Latinx Experience on the North Coast - Through the Eyes of ALAS

Author: San Mateo County Libraries

Published: January 27, 2022

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There is a rich Latinx history, culture, and community along the coast of San Mateo County that is often missing from the story of who San Mateo County is. A community-based organization, Ayudando Latinos A Sonar or ALAS is sharing the stories and history of the community on this webinar. ALAS is a Latino centered nonprofit organization born from the desire to help children and their families to feel proud of their Latinx identify and culture and amplify their voices. ALAS provides a communal space of support, honoring the cultural strengths that thrive in our Latino northern coast community. Cultura inspires and heals the soul, opening doors for community wealth, leadership, activism, and engagement to flourish.

The webinar features, Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga sharing the context of the Latinx experience on the northern coast – a story of bringing together families and residents to nurture community-building and a deep sense of belonging. Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga shares the strengths in the community, and how the use of the deficit frame continues to hinder our communities of color, while recognizing the very real inequities that persist. She introduces a brief video featuring stories of community members – Through the Eyes of ALAS. Then, community leader Patty Ramirez shares the history of her family’s migration to the coast many years back. Joaquin Jimenez shares his experience and the experience of many Latinx farmworker in San Mateo County and how that has led him to become a community leader.

Finally, from Diego Lopez, a Latinx youth who grew up on the coast and is continuing his story into college. Understanding the stories of our communities are critical to understanding how we move forward to build a stronger sense of belonging as a collective San Mateo County community.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm3xv8yxDJ4