"Through Your Years: Generations on Air" was a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and elders in their communities through the art of storytelling and audio production. Over the course of five weeks, participants engaged in a collaborative learning experience that culminated in the creation of 5-7 minute audio pieces capturing the oral histories of the participants. These pieces explored the lives, communities, and intergenerational connections that shaped their stories.

During the program, both youth and elders were introduced to the fundamentals of audio production, including recording techniques, editing, and storytelling skills. In addition to guided lessons, participants were given small assignments to build their confidence to ensure they were prepared to produce their final projects independently. By the end of the program, each pair of youth and elders produced a completed audio piece that highlighted the rich history and valuable insights of their shared experiences– these audio segments were then broadcasted on Lumpen Radio through the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth radio initiative, Wattz Up! 

This program offered a creative and impactful way for generations to connect, learn from one another, and preserve the stories that shape their communities.

A collaboration between Yollocalli Arts Reach and Lumpen Radio. Supported by Innovation80.

**This project was a five week program that took place from May 21st - June 21st 2025


Through Your Years - Generations on Air

🌟 Throughout the Fall 2025 quarter, students in the class have been exploring how radio can serve as a tool for creativity, reflection, and social change, especially during these times. During this event, they will present their final audio stories, which will also be broadcast live on Lumpen Radio that day! 🌟

Humanities X - From FM Waves To Activism: Storytelling of Latino Voices through Community Radio

This is a personal homage to the Little Village neighborhood by a lifelong community member and his Abuelita "Nene" who have called this home for generations.

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Lumpen Radio presents *Neighborhood Audio Portraits* 2024 - a project that highlighted three vibrant Chicago neighborhoods—Little Village, Bronzeville, and Back of the Yards-New City. Through community interviews, music, and art, this project celebrated the unique culture of each neighborhood.

Listen in on these gathered audio portraits submitted by Little Village artists and residents, which highlight the diverse voices and compelling stories of this dynamic neighborhood.

Neighborhood Audio Portraits, Little Village was curated by journalist, writer, radio host, and Little Village resident Sandra Trevino

**These recordings, conversations, and talks were recorded and gathered during Summer 2024.

“Little Village, My Memoir” Leo Guzman

This piece goes out to their grandmother, Carmen Gaspar of La Villita. Their grandmother meant the world to not only to them but to others in the community, when they think of La Villita, they think of her and the essence of who she was.

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Lumpen Radio presents *Neighborhood Audio Portraits* 2024 - a project that highlighted three vibrant Chicago neighborhoods—Little Village, Bronzeville, and Back of the Yards-New City. Through community interviews, music, and art, this project celebrated the unique culture of each neighborhood.

Listen in on these gathered audio portraits submitted by Little Village artists and residents, which highlight the diverse voices and compelling stories of this dynamic neighborhood.

Neighborhood Audio Portraits, Little Village was curated by journalist, writer, radio host, and Little Village resident Sandra Trevino

**These recordings, conversations, and talks were recorded and gathered during Summer 2024.

“Remembering My Grandmother” Thais Beltran

A conversation with Gerardo Reyes about life on Kostner near 26th Street and the music that sparked his creativity.

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Lumpen Radio presents *Neighborhood Audio Portraits* 2024 - a project that highlighted three vibrant Chicago neighborhoods—Little Village, Bronzeville, and Back of the Yards-New City. Through community interviews, music, and art, this project celebrated the unique culture of each neighborhood.

Listen in on these gathered audio portraits submitted by Little Village artists and residents, which highlight the diverse voices and compelling stories of this dynamic neighborhood.

Neighborhood Audio Portraits, Little Village was curated by journalist, writer, radio host, and Little Village resident Sandra Trevino

**These recordings, conversations, and talks were recorded and gathered during Summer 2024.

“Growing up in Little Village”

Although many of the plants causing air and water pollution in and around the neighborhood have been shuttered some still remain causing damage in Pilsen. We speak with Silvia from Jumping Bean Cafe and Citlalli Trujillo the Executive Director of environmental justice organization P.E.R.R.O.

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"Through Your Years: Generations on Air" was a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and elders in their communities through the art of storytelling and audio production. Over the course of five weeks, participants engaged in a collaborative learning experience that culminated in the creation of 5-7 minute audio pieces capturing the oral histories of the participants. These pieces explored the lives, communities, and intergenerational connections that shaped their stories.

During the program, both youth and elders were introduced to the fundamentals of audio production, including recording techniques, editing, and storytelling skills. In addition to guided lessons, participants were given small assignments to build their confidence to ensure they were prepared to produce their final projects independently. By the end of the program, each pair of youth and elders produced a completed audio piece that highlighted the rich history and valuable insights of their shared experiences– these audio segments were then broadcasted on Lumpen Radio through the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth radio initiative, Wattz Up! 

This program offered a creative and impactful way for generations to connect, learn from one another, and preserve the stories that shape their communities.

A collaboration between Yollocalli Arts Reach and Lumpen Radio. Supported by Innovation80.

**This project was a five week program that took place from May 21st - June 21st 2025


"The Elements Matter in Pilsen" Edna & Mario

What is trauma? And what are its different forms? Its effects? 
Trauma can be any traumatic event that impacts a person's ability to function and cope. There are all types of traumas. Trauma can come from sexual assult, chid abuse, accidents violence and etc. Everyone is affected by trauma differently. 

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"Through Your Years: Generations on Air" was a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and elders in their communities through the art of storytelling and audio production. Over the course of five weeks, participants engaged in a collaborative learning experience that culminated in the creation of 5-7 minute audio pieces capturing the oral histories of the participants. These pieces explored the lives, communities, and intergenerational connections that shaped their stories.

During the program, both youth and elders were introduced to the fundamentals of audio production, including recording techniques, editing, and storytelling skills. In addition to guided lessons, participants were given small assignments to build their confidence to ensure they were prepared to produce their final projects independently. By the end of the program, each pair of youth and elders produced a completed audio piece that highlighted the rich history and valuable insights of their shared experiences– these audio segments were then broadcasted on Lumpen Radio through the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth radio initiative, Wattz Up! 

This program offered a creative and impactful way for generations to connect, learn from one another, and preserve the stories that shape their communities.

A collaboration between Yollocalli Arts Reach and Lumpen Radio. Supported by Innovation80.

**This project was a five week program that took place from May 21st - June 21st 2025


"Trauma and Healing Journeys" Patricia & Aryules

This piece explores Chicago public school education past and present, from the viewpoint of 1 former teacher and 6 college-bound students from high schools around the city. The students reflect on what has worked best for them and what they would like to change.  Their stories paint a picture of an imperfect system that still manages to provide a safe and supportive environment in which students can learn, grow, and thrive.

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"Through Your Years: Generations on Air" was a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and elders in their communities through the art of storytelling and audio production. Over the course of five weeks, participants engaged in a collaborative learning experience that culminated in the creation of 5-7 minute audio pieces capturing the oral histories of the participants. These pieces explored the lives, communities, and intergenerational connections that shaped their stories.

During the program, both youth and elders were introduced to the fundamentals of audio production, including recording techniques, editing, and storytelling skills. In addition to guided lessons, participants were given small assignments to build their confidence to ensure they were prepared to produce their final projects independently. By the end of the program, each pair of youth and elders produced a completed audio piece that highlighted the rich history and valuable insights of their shared experiences– these audio segments were then broadcasted on Lumpen Radio through the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth radio initiative, Wattz Up! 

This program offered a creative and impactful way for generations to connect, learn from one another, and preserve the stories that shape their communities.

A collaboration between Yollocalli Arts Reach and Lumpen Radio. Supported by Innovation80.

**This project was a five week program that took place from May 21st - June 21st 2025


"CPS Present and Past" Abby & Fran

Naty and Mere talk about gender identity and expression in their Latine community. We  explain that gender identity is how someone feels inside, and gender expression is how they show it on the outside. We  say it’s important to respect people’s pronouns and let everyone express themselves freely. We  want to break stereotypes, like saying pink is only for girls or blue is only for boys. We  believe we should support the LGBTQ+ community, be more understanding, and create safe spaces for everyone 

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"Through Your Years: Generations on Air" was a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and elders in their communities through the art of storytelling and audio production. Over the course of five weeks, participants engaged in a collaborative learning experience that culminated in the creation of 5-7 minute audio pieces capturing the oral histories of the participants. These pieces explored the lives, communities, and intergenerational connections that shaped their stories.

During the program, both youth and elders were introduced to the fundamentals of audio production, including recording techniques, editing, and storytelling skills. In addition to guided lessons, participants were given small assignments to build their confidence to ensure they were prepared to produce their final projects independently. By the end of the program, each pair of youth and elders produced a completed audio piece that highlighted the rich history and valuable insights of their shared experiences– these audio segments were then broadcasted on Lumpen Radio through the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth radio initiative, Wattz Up! 

This program offered a creative and impactful way for generations to connect, learn from one another, and preserve the stories that shape their communities.

A collaboration between Yollocalli Arts Reach and Lumpen Radio. Supported by Innovation80.

**This project was a five week program that took place from May 21st - June 21st 2025


"Genders" Mere & Naty

In March, in the face of a national government shutdown, Senate Republicans drafted a continuing resolution that avoided the shutdown by diverting funds intended for services and agencies such as Social Security and the National Institute of Health; this bill also gave more unchecked power to President Trump. Dick Durbin, one of Illinois’ Senators and the second highest ranking Democrat in the Senate, was one of 9 Senate Democrats who voted for this legislation, causing it to be ultimately passed. There have been national reactions of outrage to the Democrats who sided with Trump and the GOP on this legislation, including protests at Senator Chuck Schumer’s Congressional office in DC. Chicago progressives and community members also mobilized in response to this news, holding a rally in front of his office a week later.

"Durbin Grow a Spine" by Wei Zhou

A segment where we explored the importance of folklore and horror through the lens of a brazilian native.

Created by Lucas Ramsey and Jovany Quintana Mejia

Lucas and Jovany - Remembering Our Fear, a Brazilian Recount

Our story is set in Pilsen at one of the first coffee shops, Cafe Jumping Bean. Owner Eleazar Delgado highlights how one small café has become a symbol of heritage, hope, and resistance against gentrification. We tried to capture what it truly means to stand your ground when everything around is shifting due to gentrification/immigration struggles.

Created by Sophia Diaz Matthew Kulis

Sophia and Matthew - Jumping (bean) into the Pilsen community

A segment where we explored how local Latino artists in Pilsen use Art as a form to connect for their community, advocate for social issues affecting and educate others on the history of Latino resistance. 

Created by Alanis Ruiz and Marjorie Ortega

Alanis and  Marjorie - Years of Resistance: The Power of Art in Activism

A segment where we investigate the perception and experience of Latino identity within the DePaul University Men’s and Women’s soccer teams. Through 1-on-1 interviews with Latino/heritage Spanish-speaking players from the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams, we will learn how Latino identity is addressed within a primarily white-led, English-speaking environment.

Created by Ross Cayley and Julie Cuello

Ross and Julie - Identidad Latinoamericana; American Soccer

Interview of a street food vendor in Little Village and his views on current challenges facing the Hispanic community.

Created by Humberto Plascencia and Adrian Haro

Humberto and Adrian - Through the Vendor’s Eyes. The soul of Little Village

Rodrigo and Joaquin investigate the identity struggles of immigrant families. Specifically, we focus on a local Mexican immigrant and her struggles with identity. We also bring in an expert who helps Latin immigrant families establish themselves in the US.

Created by Rodrigo Soto Leyva and Joaquin Alvarez

Rodrigo and Joaquin - Creating a new family identity/Creando una nueva identidad familiar

Simon and Dylan interview Chicago musicians to explore and contextualize the Latiné influence in Chicago’s alternative music scene.

Created by Simon Rafet and Dylan Shea

Simon and Dylan - Third Spaces, Latinos, and the Alternative Music Scene

How Latino students and teachers in Chicago’s public schools confront inequality, discrimination, and the threat of ICE, turning classrooms into spaces of activism, empowerment, and community protection.

Created by Joel Lopez and Emily Mejia

Joel and Emily - Classrooms of Resistance: Latino Voices in Chicago’s Fight for Equality

An interview with Del Dominguez, founder of Mayambo Dance Company, regarding the Afro-Latin dance scene in Chicago that continues to thrive in the face of adversity.

Created by Camila Guadalupe and Cedar Toavs

Camila and Cedar - Mayambo: Chicago’s Mambo Mainstay

An interview with a record store in Pilsen with an established presence. A look at how community inclusion could lessen the harmful impacts of gentrification in Pilsen. 

Created by Adam Bristensky and Sophia Gomez

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