Rewriting Providence's Story
Through Jonathan Pitts-Wiley's lens at The Slate Studio, Miguel Sanchez's journey comes into sharp focus. Among the ivy-covered walls and bustling neighborhoods of Rhode Island, the echoes of immigrant dreams mingle with the pulse of city life. Miguel walks a path from the streets he serves to the halls of power he inhabits. As the first Mexican-American elected to the Providence City Council, Miguel's story shows the power of community, perseverance, and the unyielding belief in the potential of every person to make a difference.
"Being able to represent my neighbors on the Providence City Council is really an extreme privilege that I take very seriously," Miguel says, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility and the warmth of genuine care. His eyes light up as he speaks about his community, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the city that has been his family's home for generations.
Miguel's story begins not with his birth in Providence but with his grandfather's arrival in the late 1980s. "My grandpa migrated to Providence and opened up one of the first Mexican businesses," he recalls, pride evident in his voice. This entrepreneurial spirit and a strong commitment to community involvement laid the foundation for Miguel's own path of service.
"Those are values that I try to carry and practice," Miguel explains, "really being a part of my community as much as possible." This commitment isn't just a lofty ideal for Miguel; it's a daily practice that shapes his personal and professional life.
By day, Miguel works as an outreach case manager for Better Lives Rhode Island, a local nonprofit that serves the unhoused community. His voice softens as he describes his work, revealing the deep empathy that drives him. "We're primarily out in the streets here in Providence, helping our unhoused neighbors as much as possible," he says. "From harm reduction supplies to finding them housing to camping equipment – it's a wide variety. Every day is different."
The rawness of this work, the daily confrontation with the harsh realities faced by those society has often forgotten, fuels Miguel's passion for change. "It's really the folks that our government has really left behind or failed the most," he explains, a note of determination in his voice. "So working with these folks during the day and then at night going to city hall and trying to advocate really completes the full circle for me of our society and the challenges."
This unique perspective – bridging the gap between the streets and city hall – makes Miguel's voice so powerful in local government. He brings the struggles and stories of the most vulnerable directly to the decision-making table, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are considered.
But Miguel's journey hasn't been without its challenges. In politics, where egos and agendas often clash, Miguel has had to learn the delicate art of collaboration and compromise. "Being in an elected position, being a collaborator as much as possible is key," he reflects. "We all have very strong opinions as politicians. We all have some level of egos and agendas that we want to accomplish in office. But taking yourself out of that main role and not necessarily taking a step back, but being an active listener and being accessible and collaborating with your neighbors and colleagues... that's extremely important."
This approach is evident in Miguel's work on issues like the cannabis zoning ordinance he's currently championing. His willingness to listen, adjust, and find common ground has been crucial in moving important legislation forward.
Yet, Miguel remains grounded in his values and commitment to the community for all his challenges and setbacks. He credits his mother and therapist for helping him stay rooted in who he is. "Once you're truly rooted in your values and in your commitment to the work that you're doing, it allows you to work on some of those external challenges," he explains.
Miguel's passion for civic engagement shines through. He emphasizes the importance of local government and the power of each individual's voice. "Your municipal elected officials are the ones that are closest to you," he says earnestly. "If you have a pothole that needs to be fixed, if you have trash that needs to be picked up, your city councilor is the one that can make that happen."
But perhaps most importantly, Miguel sees his role as more than just a representative – he sees himself as a trailblazer, opening doors for others who have historically been excluded from the halls of power. "I'm the first Mexican-American city councilor in the whole state of Rhode Island," he says, his voice filled with pride and determination. "But that means absolutely nothing if I don't help the next generation. I definitely don't want to be the last."
As Jonathan captures these final frames, the weight of Miguel's purpose is evident in every expression. We see the embodiment of the American dream – not just for personal success but for the betterment of an entire community. From the streets where he serves the most vulnerable to the city council chambers where he advocates for change, Miguel bridges worlds, bringing hope, empathy, and a fierce determination to make Providence a city that works for everyone.
As he continues his journey, Miguel Sanchez stands as proof of what's possible when passion meets purpose when community roots grow into political action, and when a city opens its arms to the dreams and determination of its immigrant sons and daughters.
