Voices of Belonging: Community Storytelling Celebration

Introduction

Join us for an inspiring community storytelling celebration at “Voices of Belonging/Voces de Conexión” on May 15th. This bilingual gathering at Casa de Abuela (98 Lafayette Street, Salem) brings together residents of all backgrounds to share personal narratives that highlight our shared humanity and diverse experiences.

Whether you’re a longtime Salem resident or new to the area, this community storytelling celebration provides an opportunity for meaningful connections across cultures and generations. From 5:30 to 7:30 PM, the welcoming patio at Casa de Abuela will transform into a vibrant venue where community members can listen, share, and celebrate together.

Featured Storytellers

Our lineup features remarkable community members sharing their journeys and perspectives:

Michelle “LaPoetica” Richardson – A dynamic bilingual spoken word artist and poet with over two decades of performance experience. Michelle uses poetry as a tool for empowerment, healing, and cultural expression, making her a beloved figure in the North Shore’s creative community.

Edward Rocha – A Boston-based Latinx creative with rural Texas roots, Edward is the author of six children’s books and founder of a coaching business for creatives. His colorful, expressive artwork captures emotions through dynamic compositions, celebrating artistic expression in all its forms.

Dinorah Mendez – A Dominican entrepreneur, mentor, and author dedicated to community development. As founder of DMENZION LLC, Dinorah leads projects focused on inclusion and empowerment. A cancer survivor and author of “My Cancer and Me,” she inspires others through her remarkable journey.

Dr. Giordano Encarnación – A retired medical doctor from the Dominican Republic with a master’s in Public Health. Dr. Encarnación possesses remarkable oratorical gifts, including reciting classic poems in Spanish from memory. Now devoted to reading, writing, and speaking at conferences on science, culture, and biblical themes.

Isaiah Duncan – A promising first-year student at YouthBuild North Shore working toward his GED. Proud of his Dominican and white heritage, Isaiah recently participated in Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House and is committed to building a stable future while connecting with his cultural roots.

The Perfect Venue for Our Community Storytelling Celebration

Casa de Abuela provides the ideal setting for this community storytelling celebration. This immersive art installation was created specifically to connect with Salem’s immigrant residents in the Point neighborhood. Modeled after a traditional Dominican country home, it features authentic wooden walls, a tin roof, and shutter-style windows.

Inside, visitors step into a recreated living room honoring the humble, everyday life of a Dominican grandmother, alongside a pop-up corner store reminiscent of those found in the Dominican Republic.

Through thoughtful design, shared cultural foods, and authentic storytelling, Casa de Abuela transforms into a gathering space where our community storytelling celebration can flourish, allowing participants to remember, celebrate, and share immigrant roots across generations and cultures.

Partners Behind Our Community Storytelling Celebration

This community storytelling celebration emerges from a collaboration with artist Julia Csekö, sparked through her 2024 Salem Public Artist in Residence project, “Transcending Borders.” The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) has provided valuable support to ensure the celebration is accessible to both Spanish and English-speaking communities.

Julia Csekö brings a rich multicultural perspective to this community storytelling celebration. Born in Colorado to Brazilian parents who fled during the military dictatorship, she grew up in Rio de Janeiro. Her impressive background includes an MFA from SMFA at Tufts, numerous artist residencies, and recognition through prestigious grants and awards. Her public murals and community-oriented approach to art make her an ideal partner for this storytelling initiative.

The community storytelling celebration is organized by North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC), an organization dedicated to investing in neighborhoods to create thriving communities. Founded in 1978, NSCDC is based in Salem’s Point neighborhood and offers programs serving people throughout the Greater Boston/North Shore area.

This celebration also connects with the Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM), a mission-driven public art program created by North Shore CDC. The museum aims to break down socioeconomic barriers through world-class art that builds neighborhood pride. What makes PUAM unique is that most of its public art is painted on or adjacent to long-term restricted affordable housing.

Event Details

• Date and Time: May 15th, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
• Location: Casa de Abuela, Patio of 98 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970
• Accessibility: Spanish interpretation provided
• Refreshments: Complimentary food and drinks available
• Admission: Free and open to all community members

How to Join Our Community Storytelling Celebration

We invite you to be part of this special community storytelling celebration in Salem. No registration required—simply arrive ready to listen, share, and celebrate our diverse community. Whether you choose to share your own narrative or simply enjoy the stories of others, your presence contributes to this meaningful community storytelling celebration that weaves the fabric of our shared experience.

Contact Information

For more information about this event, please contact:

Yinette Guzman (“like Jeannet but with a Y”)
Senior Project Manager of Design & Placemaking
North Shore Community Development Coalition, Inc.
96 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-8071
www.PuntoUrbanArtMuseum.org

This program is partly supported by a grant from Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.