Step into the World of the Next Generation: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Photography!

On April 28, 2023, the senior students of Roberto Clemente Community Academy in Chicago embarked on a journey where creativity met with expertise. As the curtains unveiled their final project, an exhibit with their finest photographs, an enchanting narrative unfolded as part of the Así Somos | Who We Are : Second Generation.

For ten workshops, the students were immersed in the world of light, perspective, composition, cropping, and the elusive 'definitive moment.' The results? Nothing short of breathtaking.

The excitement peaked during the opening reception of the exhibit, where one of the students looked into my eyes and said,  'I will never forget this for the rest of my life.' And as we observed the expressions on every student's face, we knew that this sentiment was shared by each one of them. The exhibit not only showcased their talents but also reaffirmed the extraordinary, transformative power of an image. And it didn’t stop there. The pride and joy were contagious as over 50 community leaders and parents celebrated the next generation as the main actors in their becoming.

In this unforgettable experience, art, passion, and the power of photography came together to create lasting memories.

Author Ada Nivia Lopez discusses Así Somos | Who We Are on WGN TV News with anchor Ana Belaval, highlighting the project's impact, storytelling, and the next generation’s voices through photography and community narratives.

Asî Somos | Who We Are was accepted into the collection of The John & Mable Ringling Museum Of Art Library as a resource in their extensive collection.

The Así Somos | Who We Are photography exhibition premiered at the Museo de las Américas, Cuartel Ballajá in Old San Juan, Puerto Rice between December 19, 2014 – March 29, 2015, drawing over 30,000 attendees. Designed by Humberto Figueroa, the exhibit comprised over 100 photographs excerpted from the Así Somos | Who We Are photography project. The exhibit’s images, sized between 40″ x 60″ and 24” x 36”, encouraged viewers to enter a dialogue about “who we are” and reflect on the Puerto Rican experience on the Island and the U.S. including Hawaii.

Author Ada López and photographer Mark Joseph sign copies of Así Somos | Who We Are at the The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Chicago.

Ada Nivia López and Mark Joseph, author and photographer of Así Somos | Who We Are, presented and signed copies of their book at the Waukegan Illinois Puerto Rican Society event. The event included a presentation by Professor Luz Vega, University of Puerto Rico, in Humacao, musical performance by Arianelys Ortiz Cruz of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico as well as a poetry reading by Carlos Valentin of Waukegan.