Project : The Latino Business Community in Somerville, Massachusetts.

As David, Evelin, Bianca, and I embarked on this project, we knew a few things. Evelin and Bianca knew where the businesses were, and David and I had found an economic census that helped us to guess how many there were. However, in our research, as story after story has unfolded, we have learned that the businesses of the community can also tell the story of the community. We know what parents like to feed their children, what happens during birthday parties and weddings. We know phone cards are important and that so are affordable evening gowns. Through Somerville's Latino Businesses we have learned much about the community, and we wish we only had the time to explore more.

Please take the time to view the business page for each story I was told. These are the stories of hard working, creative individuals, and it was my pleasure to hear them.

Thanks

Again, I would like to thank every business owner and community member who gave their time to this project. To Milagro, Ana, Amilcar, Yony, and Maryom, I thank you profoundly for sharing your stories with me. Muchisimas muchisimas gracias.

I would also like to thank Former Somerville Mayor Eugene Brune, Former Tufts University Provost, Sol Gittleman, the Welcome Project, especially Nelson Salazar, and The Somerville Library for adding perspective to our project.

Both Professor Gittleman (left) and Former Somerville Mayor Eugene Brune (right) allowed me to ask them lengthy interview questions over the phone. They were tremendously helpful as well.