To view documentaries, click on names of each person listed below.
This is the story of Guadalupe Quinn.
My majors are Latin American Studies and Spanish. I am from Bolivia, and I live in Oregon since 5 years ago. I believe every person has a story, and each story is sacred.
“Taking the Latino Roots class may be one of the best choices I’ve made while in my college career at the UO. I’ve learned a lot about doing good documentary work… I am lucky to know my classmates, who have worked very hard, days in and out, to tell the distinct stories of Latinos and their lives in Oregon.” –Nora Alvarez, Latino Roots class 2011–
“El haber tomado la clase de Latino Roots es una de las mejores decisiones que he hecho durante mis estudios en la UO. He aprendido mucho sobre como producir buen trabajo documental… Y he tenido la suerte de conocer a mis compañeros, que han trabajado duro día y noche, para contar las historias de vida de Latinos en Oregón.” –Nora Alvarez, Latino Roots clase 2011–
I am a Junior Spanish and Latin American Studies major with a minor in Anthropology. Through the Latino Roots course I have gained a profound understanding of Oregon’s history and diversity through a hands-on style of learning that has allowed me a true and enduring connection to the subject matter. Also, as I slowly become more adept at navigating new technologies, legalities, and journalistic skills, I realize how useful this awareness will be in any field I choose to enter. Martha Morales is inspirational and has been a delight to work with. I consider myself privileged to have had the chance to get to know her, and that she has shared her remarkable story with me.
I am double-majoring in journalism and cinema studies, with a focus on mass communications and media production. I am eternally grateful to the Gonzales’ family for helping me through my first documentary.
I am a senior at the University of Oregon, majoring in Latin American Studies with minors in Anthropology and Spanish. Latino Roots has helped me better understand the history of Oregon with particular emphasis on Latino culture.
Sonia De La Cruz
As a graduate student at the School of Journalism and Communication, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of such a unique project that highlights the history of Latinos in the state of Oregon. It has been an experience of personal growth and an expanded understanding about documenting oral histories.
I am a graduating senior majoring in Spanish. The Latino Roots project has served as a kind of bridge between the last 17 years of study, from kindergarten up through the University level, and the years to come when I will be entering into the “real” world and acting in it as a young adult. Latino Roots is a practical application of my studies in a medium that, at the same time as it teaches us new resources and skills, it also encourages us to continue learning and being active in the community through and beyond our higher education.
As a student of Latin-American culture and the Spanish language, the opportunity to connect my studies to the local Latino community and its unique history has given me a deeper sense of meaning in my studies. I see our work as ethnographers as a vital contribution to the rich knowledge base in the University’s Archives and to the education of future generations.
“In just two short quarters this class took me through an extensive history of Oregon and Latino Roots in the state. At the same time, it taught me the ins and outs of documentary filmmaking. I could have not asked for a more useful and in-depth course.” –Alexander Evans, Latino Roots class 2011–
“En solo dos trimestres, este curso me ha dado un conocimiento extenso sobre la historia de Oregón y las raíces Latinas en este estado. Al mismo tiempo, me enseñó como realizar películas documentales. No pude haber pedido una clase más profunda y útil.” .” –Alexander Evans, Latino Roots clase 2011–
I am a Spanish and Latin American Studies major. Latino Roots has been an opportunity to learn about the presence of Latinos in the United States, and what role the United States plays in the immigration, and at times, the exploitation of Latinos. During this project, we have explored the presence of Latino immigrants in Oregon and how they have helped shape the state, culturally and economically. I have learned a considerable amount, and this course has helped me broadened my perspective of the world, past and present.
James Lay
I am a student in the Literary Nonfiction Graduate Program in the School of Journalism and Communication. I entered Latino Roots as a journalist and left the class becoming in addition an oral historian and filmmaker. I credit Lynn Stephen and Gabriela Martinez for teaching it the right way. Latino Roots in Oregon was a powerful experience.
“It was a privilege to present Graciela “Meche” Lu’s story, and an incredible learning experience both in documenting oral histories and in documentary film production.” –Elizabeth Miskell, Latino Roots class 2011–
“Fue un privilegio presentar la historia de Graciela “Meche” Lu, y ha sido una experiencia increible el aprender como documentar historia oral y producir películas documentales.” –Elizabeth Miskell, Latino Roots class 2011–
“It has been a privilege to work with Lizsandra Duran-Arellano, and I am grateful to her for sharing her story with me. I am also honored and delighted to be part of a project that gives a voice to the Latino community in Oregon.” –Lisa Rummler, Latino Roots class 2011–
“Ha sido un privilegio el poder trabajar con Lizsandra Duran-Arellano, y estoy agradecida de que haya compartido su historia conmigo. Tambien me siento honrada y contenta de ser parte de un proyecto que le da voz a la comunidad Latina de Oregón.” –Lisa Rummler, Latino Roots class 2011–
“Latino Roots has provided me with a privileged insight on how to relate historical processes and personal experiences. Josefina Ortega’s oral history allowed me to see these connections more clearly.” –Iván Sandoval-Cervantes, Latino Roots class 2011–
“La clase de Latino Roots me ha dado un conocimiento privilegiado de cómo relacionar procesos históricos con testimonies personales. A travéz de la historia oral de Josefina Ortega he podido hacer estas conecciónes más claramente.” –Iván Sandoval-Cervantes, Latino Roots class 2011–
Michael Santino
I am an archaeology major. I am following my dream, but still discovering the past in the present.
My majors are Latin American Studies and History. Producing this documentary has made me reconsider my own experience as an immigrant to Oregon. It has provided a much broader context to my life. The class has given me the tools to continue the work of building oral histories for other communities in need of having their voices be heard, and remembered.
I am a fifth year senior and honored to have taken part in the Latino Roots course. The talented instructors and passionate students motivated and inspired me.
“I am a transnational human that has roots not only in the United States, but also in Guatemala, and I refuse to choose one from the two. I strongly believe in the stories of people and how they can be used as tools of change. In this project, I am another tool to give agency and voice to those who have not been allowed one. We must not forget the reality, the hardships and the happy moments of the individuals that these stories represent because this is the only way we can preserve our own humanity.” –Byron Sun, Latino Roots class 2011–
“Me considero un ser humano transnacional que no sólo tiene raíces en los Estados Unidos, pero en Guatemala también, y me niego a tener que elegir uno de los dos. Creo mucho en las historias de personas y como éstas pueden ser herramientas de cambio. Con este projecto, yo soy una herramienta para dar agencia y voz a aquellas personas que no la tienen. No olvidemos las realidades, los momentos difíciles y felices de las personas cuyas historias han sido representadas porque es muy importante preservarlas para nuestra humanidad.” –Byron Sun, Latino Roots class 2011–
I am an Anthropology major focusing on Cultural Anthropology at the University of Oregon. Making this documentary has provided me with the opportunity to not only demonstrate the skills I have learned through my studies in Cultural Anthropology and other coursework, but to participate in the greater Latino Roots Project which has a profound significance in this university and wider community.