When I was Puerto Rican

Damaris Rivera Woodbury, NBC Chicago Street Team

I’m not writing a review about the book, although one exists with this title written by Esmeralda Santiago…great read! I am writing about my Puerto Rican experience last week at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Through the month of December, Old Town is hosting Wednesday night concerts celebrating music, dance and culture of the African Diaspora. In partnership wtih Aguzate Productions, Choco Orta, a Puerto Rican sonera, improvisor of traditional Salsa had the audience on their feet dancing and feeling the music. As a Puerto Rican woman, to see a fellow latina leading an orchestra, playing the congas, and singing in what is a traditionally male dominated business, was awe-inspiring. I felt I was watching the next Celia Cruz and one day her career is just going to go through the roof. Her album comes out early next year and promises to be a hit. Gilberto Santa Rosa, a father of Salsa and my favorite salsa singer, produced her album. For two hours last week, I was immersed in my culture, identity, and surrounded by fellow latinos. I couldn’t have felt more proud to be Puerto Rican than after seeing a fellow Puerto Rican woman perform like in this video clip.

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