In my case, I don’t speak English. I’ve been invited to attend community meetings with the police, even meetings where I knew there’d be translation. But I didn’t dare. Why? Because I know I’m going to be the only one there like me and I feel uncomfortable. It’s not that people are rude, not at all. It’s simply because I felt alone as the only Latina. I think one of the changes groups like ours bring is self-confidence. On my street, there’s a vacant next to my house. Some people moved in and made me feel unsafe. Before, I wouldn’t talk to the police because I was always scared it would come out worse for me. But because of my work with the Comité and the friendships I’ve made with other advocates, I knew what to do and who to talk to, and the police did come and help me. It’s the same for garbage, healthcare, education. My neighbors come and tell me their problems and through the Comité I have something that can help them. We have confidence, not fear.
— Fabiola Lopez, Co-Founder, Comité Latino de Baltimore
Photo by Andy Dahl.
Find out more about programs and resources for the Latino community in Baltimore.
The #EveryStoryCounts Campaign
You don’t have to be a climate scientist or city planner to create sustainability + resilience. Everyone has a story to tell about making Baltimore a stronger, fairer and safer place for all of us.
Be a part of our #EveryStoryCounts Campaign by sharing yours on social media using the hashtag #EveryStoryCounts, or by sharing your words and pictures with us at sustainability@baltimorecity.gov.