The truth is it’s very important to have a way to communicate in your own language. I’ve been to many meetings of neighborhood associations who want to reach the Latino community. But even if they have information in Spanish, or provide translation, in the end there are things you can’t express. I’ve been here sixteen years and there are still things I can say so much easier in my language because it’s my own. That’s why a group like ours is so important, to express those needs.
Look, we all share challenges no matter where you come from, your race, your community or your culture. But we can’t forget that the needs of a person who was born here, who speaks the language, who knows the system 100 percent are going to be different from someone who doesn’t and still needs to navigate all of this. To have a group that helps people do that is good for the whole community and for the city as a whole. We can change the perception that others have of the Latino community, that we are just a burden on resources. No, we actively contribute to the community. There are things in Baltimore that would be worse off if not for the Latino presence. So we’re a voice that’s here to say, ‘We’re also here to work for the city,’ and make it a better place for all of us.
— Aida Medina, Co-Founder, Comité Latino de Baltimore
Photo by Andy Dahl.
Find out more about programs and resources for the Latino community in Baltimore.
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