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 Latino’s II” premiered Oct. 12, 2023 on Kansas City PBS.

Health Forward Foundation and The Kemper Family Foundations, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee provided support for this program.

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