Evanston Latinos Shared Community Stories
The Evanston History Center hosted a bilingual event to highlight the experiences of local Hispanic residents.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Hispanic
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Evanston Latinos and the Evanston History Center teamed up to present Nuestras Historias en Evanston. The event offered a bilingual space for residents to share personal stories about building community within the city.
Why it matters
Organizers held the event to foster connection among Latino residents and to highlight their history in Evanston. This initiative aims to strengthen the local community by providing a platform for diverse experiences.
As of 2025, 12.3% of Evanston residents identified as Hispanic or Latino. Participants included individuals who have lived in the city for over two decades, such as Celia Carlino, who moved to the area 23 years ago.
The players
Evanston Latinos
This local organization works to support and represent the Hispanic and Latino community in Evanston.
Evanston History Center
This institution is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of the city and its residents.
Ernesto Rodriguez Carreño
He is an Evanston-based entrepreneur who operates the local business El Molcajete Sauces.
Paula Cofresi-Silverstein
A long-term Evanston resident who moved to the city from New York in 1985.
Celia Carlino
A resident who relocated to Evanston from Lima, Peru, more than two decades ago.
The details
Residents shared unique perspectives on local life, including the experiences of longtime community members. The gathering served as a vital forum for neighbors to connect through the shared history of Latinos living in the region.
Timeline
Paula Cofresi-Silverstein moved to Evanston in 1985.
Celia Carlino moved to Evanston from Lima, Peru, 23 years ago.
A U.S. citizen was detained by ICE in Evanston on September 17, 2026.
The Nuestras Historias en Evanston event took place on September 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Nuestras Historias en Evanston event reflects a broader societal movement toward recognizing the contributions of minority groups within suburban history. This initiative highlights the growing importance of inclusive storytelling in documenting the evolution of local city populations.
Residents can engage with the growing local Latino community by attending similar events scheduled throughout the city. Participation in these gatherings offers a chance to understand the historical narrative of diverse neighborhoods like Linden Square.
The takeaway
Documenting personal histories ensures that the contributions of diverse residents remain a visible part of the city record. Establishing these connections helps foster a more cohesive and informed local environment for all residents.
Further reading
For more information on the local Hispanic community, visit the Hispanic section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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