On Thursday, November 6, the evening was crisp, but the air in the Mayor’s Reception Room in City Hall crackled with energy and pride. It was more than an event; it was a powerful affirmation of voice at the inaugural ¡Oye! One Philly Latino Oratorical Showcase. Portraits of every mayor of Philadelphia adorned the walls, while the enormous room was filled with the powerful voices of these young people. The twenty-one finalists weren’t just reciting words; they were embodying the legacy of resistance, poetry, and aspiration by Latino greats like Julia de Burgos and new voices like local poet Denise Frohm.

There were four Esperanza Academy Charter School students among the finalists. 4th grader Helianna Amarante recited wisdom from astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa and won third place in the elementary category. 7th grader Evangelyne Ortiz recited an impassioned piece by Cesar Chavez about immigrant labor. 9th grader Israel Santiago channeled the fire of Pedro Albizu Campos, speaking about Puerto Rican independence, and took home third place in the High School category. 11th grader Eskarlet Santos gave a rhythmic spoken word excerpt from The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo about acceptance and Latinidad. Each held the audience captive during their one-to-two-minute passages.

This powerful showcase was a joint venture from the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement and the Mayor‘s Office of Education. Among the honored guests was Dr. Evelyn Nuñez, CEO/Superintendent of Esperanza Academy Charter School. Judges included Esperanza Academy administrators and members of the Office of Latino Engagement Advisory Board, including Celina Vélez and the undersigned author.

 It was a fitting end to Latino Heritage Month in a year when Hispanic identity has been under fire and young people have few places to express themselves. The success of the event promises to begin a new Philadelphia tradition.

There was not a dry eye in the house as these students stood in front of family, teachers, officials, and the judges, making their voices heard. The emotion was a collective acknowledgement that these voices matter, that these stories are essential, and that the future of Philadelphia is enriched and emboldened by the passion and courage of its young Latino orators. ¡Oye! Listen! These young people have something to say.