The City That Raised US: Stories & Reflections of New York City

Join filmmaker Ashley Cervantes del Carmen for the first session of a two-part storytelling and collage workshop series celebrating the experiences of Native New Yorkers and immigrant communities. 

Together, participants will reflect on what it was like to grow up in New York City across generations, from the 1950s to the 2010s, honor family and community histories, and explore how personal stories and memories shape our understanding of home, identity, and belonging. 

Drawing from her own experiences growing up in Bushwick as a first generation Mexican American and witnessing her neighborhood change over time, Ashley will share photographs, artwork, and stories that invite conversation, reflection, and connection. Participants are encouraged to bring personal photographs, documents, and other meaningful memorabilia that tell a story about their life, family, or community in New York City. Materials gathered and stories shared during this session may serve as inspiration for the collage-making workshop in Part Two. 

If items need to be scanned to preserve the originals, the library will provide scanning and printing for up to 2-3 items per participant.  

*For the best possible experience we recommend that you attend both sessions.