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“So often we are that cellophane paper that is transparent, making noise, but still transparent. They don’t see us. We want them to see who we are and where we are.”

That’s how Carlos de los Ramos described the Latino community’s strong commitment to making their presence known in Delaware.

As chair of the Delaware Hispanic Commission, de los Ramos was among nearly 300 individuals, ranging from community members to organizational representatives, advocates, and legislative leaders, at the 2024 Latino Forum this week. The event, hosted by the DHC, focused on critical issues affecting the state’s Latino community and provided a platform for in-depth conversations focusing on workforce development, education, legislative updates, and immigration.

Keysly Perez-Hernandez was among those in attendance at the forum in Dover. The 23-year-old Guatemalan migrated to the United States at the age of 13. She said navigating her life to this point hasn’t been easy, but her struggles have inspired her to make a difference and give back to her community.

“Yo no tenía tantos recursos”, dijo al recordar la falta de recursos cuando recién emigró a Delaware. “Me gusta dar lo que algún día yo quise recibir y [hablar] por las otras personas que no pueden es muy importante y aquí hay tantas personas que pueden ayudar para que nuestra comunidad pueda ser mejor.”

“I didn’t have that many resources,” she said, remembering the lack of resources when she first immigrated to Delaware. “I like to give what one day I wanted to receive, and I believe speaking for other people who cannot is very important. And there are so many people here who can help our community be better.”

At La Esperanza in Georgetown, Perez-Hernandez serves as a Legal Assistant for Victims and Navigator, providing crucial support to Sussex County’s Latino community.

Working closely with those individuals, she has witnessed the challenges faced by by many of them who are unable to use their education or certifications from their native countries—an experience she personally relates to as well.

“Alrededor de mi familia tengo a personas que son profesionales en mi país, pero a la hora de venir aquí ellos no tienen las mismas oportunidades”, ella añadió. “ Estamos aprendiendo cómo pueden transcribirse los créditos y pues demostrar que tenemos muchas habilidades como comunidades, nada más que nos faltan los recursos.”

“Around my family, I have people who are professionals in my country, but when it comes to coming here, they do not have the same opportunities,” she added. “We are learning how credentials can be transcribed and to show [others] that we have many skills as communities, the only thing is we lack resources.”

NEW CASTLE CO., Delaware (WPVI) — Family, friends and the Wilmington community held each other tight as they grieved the loss of a 10-year-old who was killed by a driver on Monday.

The crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. near the intersection of Faulkland and Centerville roads in New Castle County.

James Messick and his 12-year-old best friend were walking home from school when they were hit by a vehicle.

James died at the hospital. His friend was taken to Nemours Children’s Hospital, where he was treated and released.

New Castle County police said the 17-year-old driver was traveling on Faulkland Road and approaching Centerville Road when the vehicle went into the opposite lane and struck the children as well as a house.

Through the tears, loved ones shared their memories at Marbrook Elementary School Friday night.

“I want to remind all of his friends that although James is gone, he is still here, watching you and believing in you,” said the boy’s mother during the vigil.

READ MORE: 10-year-old dies, 12-year-old injured after being hit by car while walking home from school in Del.

“He always stood up for us,” said James’ friend. “Once that was the last time we ever saw him, we didn’t know what to do because he was such a good friend to us, and we just don’t know what to do without him.”

After the vigil, loved ones walked down to the scene, where there was a growing memorial, and vowed to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.

“I would like to ask the community to be aware of yourself when you’re driving,” said Adam Gibson, who is James’ stepfather. “Please be aware of your surroundings. We want to make sure that intersection gets some improvements.”

And to carry on James’ legacy.

“You’ll be in my heart forever bud,” said Gibson. “A piece of me has been taken. But I will keep moving forward for us because I know that’s what you would want us to do.”

“So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart,” said the boy’s aunt, Angel Andrews.

Police are still investigating the incident and the driver is not facing any charges at this time.