Cesar Velez is a dreamer.
He came to the United States from Mexico as a child and is a member of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. He grew up in southwest Kansas and now is a visual artist and painter in Kansas City.
“There is a bittersweetness to it knowing where I come from but knowing that it’s difficult to return,” Velez said. “And knowing that the decisions my family made to get here were all sacrifices for a better life.”
His story is part of “We Are Latinos II,” a short documentary series by Victor Antillaca that highlights Kansas City’s vibrant Latino community. To learn more about Cesar and his work, watch the attached video.
The full-length “We Are Latinos II” premiered this week on Kansas City PBS.
Health Forward Foundation and The Kemper Family Foundations, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee provided support for this program.