Collection of Texas iconography, ranging from various species of cacti, bluebonnets, a cowboy boot, hot sauce, the Space Shuttle, an acoustic guitar, and various animals including a longhorn, armadillo, a few bats, and butterflies. The background is a rich terra cotta red and the items are all drawn in warm colors. The central text says “next gen radio, Texas Newsroom)

NEXT GEN RADIO IS A FIVE-DAY, AUDIO FOCUSED DIGITAL MEDIA PROJECT

OUR THEME FOR THIS PROJECT: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF “HOME”?

We see the warm figure of Erika holding onto a hearty bowl of soup in one gloved hand and in the other she holds a growing plant and heart shape. Around her, we see various Venezuelan cuisines, including empanadas and arepas. Other cooking foods float around her abstractly, and the steam from the soup stretches across the composition.

KATY WOMAN BRINGS WARMTH OF VENEZUELA TO TEXAS THROUGH CUISINE

by DAVID MERCADO

Erika Luna brings a piece of Venezuela in her heart to Chamo’s Bar and Grill in Katy. Fleeing the turmoil of Venezuela, Luna transformed the restaurant into a vibrant haven for Venezuelan cuisine. Each dish, from empanadas to sancocho, is a heartfelt connection to her past and a warm welcome to her new community. Discover how Luna’s journey of resilience and her dedication to preserving her culture enriches the lives of those around her.

 

 A vibrant scene of a sunny day on the Boca Chica beach. There are blue waves crashing against the shore where we are looking out from, white foam making a pattern on the water. Like images from a scrapbook, we see pinks and oranges of photos and memories of Monica and her family, including her daughter feeding seagulls, or a photo from her past featuring her mother and her younger self. Everything is cheerful until you glimpse trash on the sand, including a SpaceX flag. The SpaceX launch pad is seen in the distance.

BROWNSVILLE NATIVE FINDS JOY IN CREATING BOCA CHICA BEACH ARCHIVE

by MARIA RUIZ

As Monica Sosa stands on the shores of Boca Chica beach, she reflects on a childhood steeped in freedom and beauty, now threatened by corporate developments. Driven by nostalgia and a deep-rooted connection to the land, Sosa has spearheaded the Boca Chica, Corazón Grande archive—a project dedicated to preserving the beach’s rich history and culture for future generations.

 

An illustrated scene of the inside of an enchilada stand. In the foreground, we see an elderly lady holding up a plate of enchiladas she made. In the background we see a family waiting for their order. A little boy looks up with stars in his eyes at the food. There's a church behind them in the background.

ENCHILADA ‘BOSS’ FEEDS EL PASO COMMUNITY’S HEARTS AND SOULS

by RUMI SEVILLA

For more than 50 years, Rosa Inungaray has been the heart and soul of the beloved enchilada booth at El Paso’s St. Anthony’s bazaar. Her red enchiladas are more than a meal — they’re a symbol of home, family and a tradition that spans generations. Rosa’s passion for cooking has nourished thousands, creating a legacy where every plate brings people together and turns simple food into a shared sense of belonging.

 

An illustrated scene of a sunny day in nature. We see a running group, separated in pairs, running along a path that goes through a park. In the background there’s a peek of the city. The running pair in the foreground consists of a man and a woman. The  man looks up in awe at a pair of birds flying above them. The woman enthusiastically smiles back at her running partner.

WHEN SHE DIDN’T FIND COMMUNITY IN A RUNNING CLUB, SHE CREATED HER OWN 

by KAIYA LITTLE

Rocío Villalobos, who once avoided East Austin’s neglected parks, now finds peace through running. Her Austin-based group, the Indigenous Movement Crew, brings together people from different Native backgrounds to connect with each other and the land, celebrating the healing power of nature.

 

An illustration of building blocks that come together to form a castle-like structure. The central crown shape depicts Edna, wearing a crown, giving a tiara to a young girl. Within the other shapes are various items that can be donated. On top of the bridge shape, a car full of supplies drives away as another figure of Edna waves goodbye.

NONPROFIT BRINGS FEELING OF HOME TO UNDERPRIVILEGED FORT WORTH YOUTH 

by CAMILO DIAZ

Explore how Edna Jackson’s nonprofit is making a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth, offering essential resources and heartfelt support that extends beyond Fort Worth. For over 30 years, Jackson has empowered families with love and dedication, creating a sanctuary of care and inspiration.

 

An illustration of Shams hugging a softly glowing sun. The background references various objects of cultural or personal significance to her such as her family’s prayer rug, a tea set, poems, the Quran, and various decorations.

FINDING HOME WITH THE SUDANESE COMMUNITY IN NORTH TEXAS 

by PENELOPE RIVERA

Shams Alkamil’s journey from her Sudan to the U.S. has been marked by cultural disconnection and personal growth. She found solace and self-expression through poetry, eventually embracing her heritage. Now, Alkamil views home as the rich tapestry of her shared experiences with other Sudanese women in North Texas.