Preserving Latino Roots in Oregon

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Latino Roots is helping Oregon students see its history more clearly.

Led by University of Oregon Professor Lynn Stephen, the program teaches students how to research, record, and share the stories of Latino presence in Oregon. It’s not widely known, but Latinos have history in the state dating back to the 1700s and continue to shape Oregon communities to this day.

Through the course, students learn Latino history, conduct bilingual oral-history interviews, and turn those conversations into documentary films. To date, more than 100 films have been created, shared in schools, museums, and at community events across the state.

For Stephen, the work is both academic and personal. As an immigrant herself, she sees her journey reflected in many of the stories that her students document. Faculty collaborator Gabriela Martinez brings deep expertise in documentary filmmaking, helping students capture lived experiences with care and authenticity.

The annual Latino Roots Film Festival showcases this work. Attendees move from room to room, exploring films that highlight resilience, culture, family and the many contributions of Latino communities in Oregon. It’s a celebration of identity that continues to grow each year.

SELCO’s partnership helps strengthen that impact. Support extends the reach of the bilingual booklet, the exhibit, and the new storytelling projects—including digital resources and upcoming podcasts. It’s a collaboration centered on community and education, honoring voices that haven’t always been preserved in the historical record.

Latino Roots began as a volunteer project more than a decade ago. Today, with partners like us, it continues to expand, preserving history while empowering student storytellers and keeping Oregon’s Latino heritage alive for generations to come.

Published November 25, 2024