Mission San Fernando Rey de España

Identity is central to us, and it takes a lifetime to realize what we are. We’re a multitude of complex ideas and emotions that are perpetually changing, and this brief walk around Lake Balboa showcases four unique compositions to exemplify this. Accompanying these four sonic motifs is three poems written by local poet Amira Buckly that dive into the notions of our relationship with identity and will be read throughout your walk. *Poetry will be narrated during walk* Composed and Produced by Andrew Manuel Poetry by Amira Buckly Voice work by Chris Farmer All Art by Andrew Manuel All Rights Reserved ©

As an organizer, educator, musician, circle host, DPS parent, City of Durham Human Relations Commissioner, and newly elected Durham School Board member, Alexandra Valladares brings joy and love to her various communities. Her fluency in Spanish, French and English allows for versatility in communicating with diverse members of the community. She has a Bachelors in Chemistry and a Masters in Earth Science from North Carolina Central University. As a scientist by training, Alexandra is a deep listener and observer, skills she passes on to the next generation through BOOST, Duke’s middle-school STEM program founded by Durham’s beloved Dr. Brenda Armstrong. Alexandra is an analyst and a storyteller, a musician and poet, an organizer and a fierce advocate for underserved communities. Alexandra conducts most of her work as an organizer outside of formal organizations and her passion is to tend to the ecosystem of relationships that underpin the social realities of the Latinx, indigenous and Black communities of Durham, North Carolina. She leads workshops and efforts that support health, education, resilience, equity, culture, and community care and hosts in a way that fosters authentic connection, respect, and trust. She is a Professional Affiliate with the Leadership for Sustainability Master’s Program, under the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. She curates the page for Comunidad de Durham on Facebook. Alexandra is the Artist In Residence at Duke University Hospital where she visits patients bedside and performs comforting music for them and their families.

I thought I heard crickets but it turns out it was just the fan. Then I listened closer, and there are crickets after all.

Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooo:)

sound of rain