"Bellaca"

Aileen Velazquez

Aileen Velazquez is of Nuyorican heritage. Her family has been on Manhattan’s beloved Lower East Side since the 1960’s after migrating from Puerto Rico. She grew up in New York City in the 90’s and 00’s during a time of constant change and gentrification. From as young as nine, she’s learned to navigate her experience as a city girl through writing poetry and various forms of art.