Trío Guadalevín – Presente Estoy
Trío Guadalevín’s project El Noroeste – produced in part through the Jack Straw Artist Support Program – is a musical exploration of the historic presence of Latinos in what is now Washington State. Serving all who want to learn more about the Pacific Northwest, it is a necessary project to acknowledge a legacy of more than two centuries, storied with contributions to the social and economic fabric of the Northwest. Inspired years ago as an effort to address omissions in the public understanding of Latinos’ role in this region, it has become a critical effort in an era of intentional misrepresentation, unfounded stereotypes, and cultural/racial intimidation.
Explore the videos, which feature the peoples and places that tell the story, and read a detailed account of the project at https://www.guadalevin.com/elnoroeste.
“Presente Estoy” – “I am here!” – addresses the 21st century challenges and promise of Latine communities in Washington, who live in and contribute to the economic and social well-being of every county in the state. Despite its contributions, this community continues to face discrepancies in education, employment, housing, and health. The population also endures persistent stereotypes, inflamed by an increase in dehumanizing anti-immigrant and anti-Latino rhetoric in popular media. This anthemic song centers on the dignity of peoples whose stories connect hard work, family, cultural tradition, and social innovation.
