This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez
Each represents a unique story of individuals from the Latino community in Rhode Island. These portraits reflect the diversity, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Each face not only represents a person but also a mosaic piece, each representing migration, identity, heritage, and perseverance and emphasizing the impact of Latino history in shaping the state's present and future.
Opening Reception
Thursday, May 8, 2025
5:30 to 7:30PM
Southside Cultural Center
393 Broad Street | Providence
The original Café Recuerdos: A Traveling Memory Café, created by Cuban artist Ana Flores, will be on display at the SCC to accompany the Somos Rhode Island exhibition. The images you will see on Café Bustelo coffee cans tell the story of Rhode Island's Latino History (Nuestras Raíces).
Middle & high school student groups can visit the SCC on any Wednesday between 11-2pm from May 14 through June 25 to view the exhibit and learn more about Nuestras Raíces and the people who have contributed to Latino history of Rhode Island. Teachers: Contact us here to arrange a visit: lagaleria@rilatinoarts.org
Address: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St. Providence. Ample parking in the back lot as you enter via Bridgham Street.
Middle & high school student groups can visit the SCC on any Wednesday between 11-2pm from May 14 through June 25 to view the exhibit and learn more about Nuestras Raíces and the people who have contributed to Latino history of Rhode Island. Teachers: Contact us here to arrange a visit: lagaleria@rilatinoarts.org
Address: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad St. Providence. Ample parking in the back lot as you enter via Bridgham Street.
Click here to learn more about the Nuestras Raíces, The Latino History Project @RILA ➤
This exhibition showcases a collection of 30 portraits created by artist René Gómez.
Each represents a unique story of individuals from the Latino community in Rhode Island. These portraits reflect the diversity, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Each face not only represents a person but also an intricate narrative of migration, identity, heritage, and resilience, emphasizing the impact of Latino history in shaping the state's present and future.
Each represents a unique story of individuals from the Latino community in Rhode Island. These portraits reflect the diversity, struggles, achievements, and contributions of Latinas, Latinos, and Latinx people to the state's rich cultural tapestry. Each face not only represents a person but also an intricate narrative of migration, identity, heritage, and resilience, emphasizing the impact of Latino history in shaping the state's present and future.
In addition to the portraits, there is an installation featuring small trees, symbolizing Nuestras Raíces (Our Latino Roots). These trees stands as a powerful metaphor for the deep-rooted connections people of Latino heritage have with their heritage, culture, and families, symbolizing growth, strength, and the flourishing of their contributions in the U.S. The branches represent the diverse stories and the interwoven paths of the Latino community, while the roots delve into the historical and cultural ties that continue to nourish and shape their identity. Visitors will be invited to write a note and hang it on one of the branches.
Funds for this project were initially awarded in January of 2025 by Rhode Island Humanities (RIH), an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. RIH seeds, supports, and strengthens public history, cultural heritage, civic education, and community engagement by and for all Rhode Islanders.
On March 31, 2025, the White House Administration announced plans to target the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by significantly downsizing its staff, cutting vital grant programs, and even rescinding previously awarded grants. Ours was among those rescinded.
Despite this setback, we are moving forward. We have chosen to install this exhibition and open our doors to the public — because our stories deserve to be heard, and our histories will not be erased.
Despite this setback, we are moving forward. We have chosen to install this exhibition and open our doors to the public — because our stories deserve to be heard, and our histories will not be erased.
Your story can be part of Latino History | Tu historia puede ser parte de la historia latina de Rhode Island
Here is what we are looking for:
• Photographs, diaries, artifacts
• Old movies: VHS, Super 8 to convert/digitize
• Personal papers (i.e., letters, passports, etc.)
• Business documents (menus, business cards, brochures, posters)
• Old newspapers depicting Latino life in RI or Spanish-language papers
• Your personal story, shared with and recorded by RILA staff.
We will scan all photos and paper items and give you copies in a flash drive, take photos of artifacts and return them. If you wish to donate originals, we can make arrangements to store them in our collection.
* You will be asked to sign a release form.
• Photographs, diaries, artifacts
• Old movies: VHS, Super 8 to convert/digitize
• Personal papers (i.e., letters, passports, etc.)
• Business documents (menus, business cards, brochures, posters)
• Old newspapers depicting Latino life in RI or Spanish-language papers
• Your personal story, shared with and recorded by RILA staff.
We will scan all photos and paper items and give you copies in a flash drive, take photos of artifacts and return them. If you wish to donate originals, we can make arrangements to store them in our collection.
* You will be asked to sign a release form.
✪ Oprime aquí para leer en Español
Visit La Galería every Monday between 11am - 1pm (please E-Mail us first) and enjoy a cup of coffee with Marta V. Martínez, Community Oral Historian. Bring your documents and learn more about Nuestras Raíces and about the stories we have already collected.
Buscamos lo siguiente:
• Fotografías, diarios, artefactos
• Películas antiguas: VHS, Super 8 para convertir / digitalizar
• Documentos personales (es decir, cartas, pasaportes, etc.)
• Documentos comerciales (menús, tarjetas de presentación, folletos, carteles)
• Periódicos antiguos que describen la vida latina en RI o en periódicos en español.
• Su historia personal, compartida y registrada por el personal de RILA.
Escanearemos todas las fotos y elementos de papel y le daremos copias en un unidad flash (flash drive). También tomaremos fotos de artefactos y los devolveremos. Si desea donar originales, podemos hacer arreglos para mantenerlos en un lugar seguro, en nuestra colección.
• Se le pedirá que firme un formulario de autorización.
• Fotografías, diarios, artefactos
• Películas antiguas: VHS, Super 8 para convertir / digitalizar
• Documentos personales (es decir, cartas, pasaportes, etc.)
• Documentos comerciales (menús, tarjetas de presentación, folletos, carteles)
• Periódicos antiguos que describen la vida latina en RI o en periódicos en español.
• Su historia personal, compartida y registrada por el personal de RILA.
Escanearemos todas las fotos y elementos de papel y le daremos copias en un unidad flash (flash drive). También tomaremos fotos de artefactos y los devolveremos. Si desea donar originales, podemos hacer arreglos para mantenerlos en un lugar seguro, en nuestra colección.
• Se le pedirá que firme un formulario de autorización.
Puede visitar La Galería los lunes de 11 am a 1 pm (envíe un correo electronica antes de su visita) y disfrutar de una taza de café con leche con Marta V. Martínez, historiadora oral de la comunidad. Traiga sus documentos y aprenda más sobre Nuestras Raíces y sobre las historias que ya hemos recopilado.
