Latinxs in New York: a kaleidoscopic dream of music, culture and gastronomy

Javier Valencia, who is currently a resident designer for the non-profit organization SoHarlem, arrived in New York from Ecuador in 1970, when he was only three years old. ‘The city offers a feeling of community, like all immigrants, since the beginning, they have settled in places similar to them », he comments on his experience. ‘Coming to East Harlem early, even though there was always a bit of instability, seemed like a certain thing. The thing I find unique about New York is that if you pay attention and do your homework (metaphorically speaking), you can move between different groups of people. If you have a talent and you nurture it, you will get an audience and they will follow you everywhere. This inspired my work, because all groups are able to put something on the table, and I, as a Latin, too. When I mentor SoHarlem, I pass on the knowledge conferred on me by my professors and the experience of living in New York for nearly 50 years. ‘ This heritage, he confesses to us, is what allows the Latin culture not only to persist, but also to grow over time. ‘NYC is always on the edge, but it’s that limit that keeps you grounded, makes you think with your feet and makes you move.’