I stand on the shoulders of two people that worked with the circumstances they were given to provide opportunities for their children.
Identity
The hitting stopped, but the verbal abuse and drunkenness didn’t
The Pérez Family
Even though I loved school and learning, especially reading, I was made to feel ashamed for being “smart.”
Developing Identify, Self and Culture
Saw on classroom wall “without a struggle there can be no progress”
Tethered
Love is what saved me.
A Fortunate Person
I am not sorry for my errors. I am not sorry for the space I occupy.
No Pido Disculpa (I Don’t Apologize)
Let my story be a whisper.
Mi Vida (My Life)
1 Nana’s house was my sanctuary and a sea filled with many loving memories. Her roses in the backyard gave life to the hummingbirds who would stop by and the blackberry tree gave all the grandchildren a mountain to climb.
345 Wooster Avenue
I want her to be respectful, proud, to advocate for herself, to know where she comes from, to be a good person, to practice empathy, and the list goes on, right…
Mamá (Mother)
I was special and separate. Different and a part of.