THE STORY

CHILDREN OF THE BORDER - JUÁREZ/ELPASO is a photo documentary that captures the activities and emotions of children and youth who live along the Rio Grande on the southern border of Texas. They move easily between 2 and sometimes 3 cultures on both sides of the River. Their conversations are a mix of English and Spanish words; they enjoy a hamburger from McDonalds as well as a tortilla from the corner grocery store; they watch basketball games and play soccer; they celebrate Thanksgiving and the Day of the Dead.

Their daily lives are dictated by a mix of cultural, environmental, and economic conditions. Despite the harshness of the land, their meager possessions, or their social circumstances, their ability to adapt permeates what they do. Sports, music, and just “hanging out” draw them together.

South of the River, they say “you are not a Mexican if you don’t play soccer at least once a day.” Even in the poorest neighborhoods, young boys had one well worn soccer ball. In the photograph, “Waiting,” a boy in a colonia focuses intently on a soccer ball flying his way. In”Walking Home,” a boy in south El Paso, wearing a yellow shirt, carries his most prized possession, a soccer ball, under his arm. On windy days in the spring, children gather together to fly kites ("Wind catcher"). Others hike the mountains and dream of far off adventures. Some explore their cultural heritage and join one of the numerous classical guitar classes taught in the local schools. Others enjoy a lazy Saturday morning.

Many face greater challenges. They must play less and learn more. At the Anapra children’s gardens in Sunland Park, New Mexico, they learn to amend soil and grow plants along the River which they sell at a local Farmers’ Market. Children at the Arbol de la Vida Home learn to raise farm animals and grow much of their own food.

Many have deep roots in the borderlands. Others are newcomers, children of soldiers or migrants, whose lives are continuously disrupted as a result of national and international events. Over time, they become a community who reflect a sense of oneness and place. These photographs attempt to capture their resiliency and the spirit of life expressed by these children in their everyday experiences.