legit made me cry so hard. love u juju

The son asking for the camera to be shut off killed me

Aww Gadiel being there for her just listening when she’s sharing her feelings about her great aunt 💗☺️

I need a ride or die like Gadiel. The way he looks at her as she pours her heart out. That's amazing. I'm so sorry for your loss julissa. I love you like i know you. This video has inspired me so much, i dont think you'll ever know. ❤❤❤

♥️♥️♥️♥️

I'm not Dominican but I am tired of the Hispanic divide. I love that Normandia wanted to push it all forward and help us all celebrate culture. There are wars between everyone Dominicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Colombians, etc. And there's always the comparing of who has more culture or which culture has the most problems and it's wrong. We all need to accept each other and work together. Latino against Latino doesn't help anyone.

Normandia Maldonado is such a pioneering woman, una luchadora Dominicana! Like many Dominican and Latino/Hispanic families that leave all they know behind to come to a land for better opportunities, she worked so hard to make sure that we were represented in a place where our people were still a minority. Thanks to her dedication and her voice she has made it easier for Dominicans to identify their culture in a land that isn't theirs and we are are now recognized and a majority in NYC!! NORMANDIA MALDONADO DID IT FOR THE CULTURE (literally). What an amazing and inspiring story!!

I had never heard of her before though I was born and raised in Washington Heights. I asked my grandparents about her (they're from her generation, grandpa born in '33) and they knew of her. I don't think they actually met her but my grandpa was telling me, in typical Dominican fashion, about oh yeah, the Maldonados from so-and-so place, eran primos de fulano y vivían cerca de tatarata.... details I can't remember but you know everyone knows everyone especially the old people 😂 My grandma told me that her sister Cucha used to make costumes for her and her troupe too! Wonder if any of the ones Julissa admired were from my own great-aunt. Anyway, loved this video and learning more about those that came before us. We don't learn anything about DR in school, much less about community leaders here in WH so it's really cool. I love the boxes of old pictures too, my grandma has a huge collection of our family with passport pictures and everything so it was so touching and familiar to see that being stored in CCNY (I studied there too so this video hit home on so many levels). Thanks for making and sharing it 👏🏼 Q.E.P.D, Normandía, y gracías por todo lo que hiciste.

It's for things like this that I try to maintain my Abuelita's legacy. She's still alive, but an incredibly large and unknown part of American history. It's a lot of work but this video inspires me! Gracias Julissa!

BEAUTIFUL! Seeing Gladiel there is what almost broke the straw on the camels back for me. I LOVE seeing strong, loving, and supportive friendships. That was goals for me. And I'm African American and loved this. I wish our culture had someone like her and wasn't so exploited worldwide by people who don't understand us. Then we might have more pride in who we are. She was indeed a legend.

Wow, I didn't know she was your TIA, I fondly remember her show en public access network en Nueva York.

I can't handle my sweet Julissa crying! You had me crying halfway through the video. What a remarkable woman your tia was. She actually was the change she wished to see in the world. I'm sure you'll continue to make her proud.

Aww Julissa you are such a strong girl to talk about this. Lots of love.❤

Dios la tenga en su santa gloria ORGULLO DOMINICANO Y LATINO

Sorry for your loss. Your great aunt left an amazing legacy. My father just passed away June 6, 2018. I now also find myself discovering his legacy.

You look and sound so much like her! Omg she lived a full life and she did so much! It's so easy to just take our elders for granted but as soon as it's too late you realize just how important they are. So sorry for your loss ❤

I'm so sorry for your loss, sweetie. I hope you're doing well.

IM NOT CRYING YOURE CRYING 😭 THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL

This was beautiful, thank you for sharing.... as a woman married to a Dominican man. I hear a lot about the culture, sometimes only hearing the exclusivity. But its lovely that I can hear of a modern woman who was inclusive of all the people. I will be sharing this story with my in-laws, my Hatianican children, and my friends. Let's learn to dig into who we are and who we come from, before a funeral. Sigue Julissa, Sigue!

Girl, you're doing it. I LOVE watching the Pero Like videos because it makes me feel a sense of belonging with other latinos who are "living in the hyphen". Your work is great already, and positively impacts many people, more than you know. So thank you, and thank you for sharing this video with us.

Aww Julissa, this was so beautiful... This must have been so awe inspiring for you to discover so much about your tía Normandia. Que mujer más bella! Y que orgullo! 🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 She and you make me extra proud to be Dominican! You will achieve all you dream, Julissa!

This video made me cry! Normandía Maldonado was incredible and the epitome of hard work and determination. May everyone remember who she was and continue to spread love and unify our communities in hopes for a better tomorrow!!

Julissa, I just want to say that you have been a major inspiration to me. Your pride for your culture, language, and family is infectious and it‘s the reason I began to appreciate my roots. Because of you and the rest of the Pero Like team, I came to Mexico to learn more about my family’s culture and language. I think you’re doing a beautiful job of continuing your great aunt’s legacy ❤️

This was so beautiful Julissa, what an amazing legacy to be born into! May her spirit continue to inspire the wonderful things that you'll continue to do for the Dominican community.

This was so beautiful to watch. Time to fill her shoes.

Ugh thank you for sharing it. Getting teary eyed Maldonado is part of my fam but we're puerto Rican. It's just such a freaking amazing feeling to see these Hispanic WOMEN do big things. We are amazing don't you ever forget it. Even when we in the hood we fight hard for our people!!! Que viva la raza!!!! Also do sorry for your lose. Ugh there I go 😭

When Julissa cried I was crying! This video was an amazing video. It’s crazy how me and your Tia have the same last name! Except she was Dominican and I am Puerto Rican❤️

So beautiful, Julissa. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt video of your Tia. What amazing woman. I see you are following in her footsteps. The videos you make, you do it for the community. To share stories, food and teaching about culture. I know your Tia is super proud of you and guiding you. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace and in Power Normandia Maldonado. Thank you Julissa for sharing your stories and being on You Tube. We need more Latinx voices like yours. With love ❤️ .

🇩🇴 this is the most heartfelt video that has been uploaded to buzzfeed, im so sorry for your lost and im also glad that you got to find out all of this about your aunt and what she stood for. I know that sometimes we don’t see how great our families are until their not here. Your aunt was the kind of person that makes me proud to be a Dominican and someone i will remember for all she did🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 PLATANO POWER

This is why I’m proud of being Hispanic (Dominican). Idk but I felt nostalgia watching this video.

Sorry for your loss, she was an amazing person❤️❤️❤️

Sorry for your loss, sending love , prayers and hugs.

Wow! I am so proud of her and ashamed of not having done not even one percent of the things that she accomplished! I am thankful for having learned about Doña Normandia.

Thank you for sharing!!! She is beautiful ♥️

🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴 I'm Dominican and it's good to see my people be a good person

Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. So proud to learn so much about such a great community figure, specially for us Dominicans living in America. May her passion continue to shine through you!

That was an awesome dedication! ❤️

I’m not crying, you’re crying! An absolute beautiful, inspirational woman. Thank you for sharing!

This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you 🙏🏽 thank you so much for sharing your families history. This is beautiful. More stories like this are needed they need to be shared. Thank you and bless you in your future endeavors

I’m sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing 💕

Such a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it with us ❤️❤️❤️

Beautiful! I hope you accomplish your goal and continue her legacy 🖤

Your aunt was such an inspiration and so are you. I love the videos you make and I hope you continue to do them. This video was beautiful it made me cry. My your aunt Rest In Peace as she was a wonderful woman who served her purpose in this world.❤️

Wow she was an amazing person! Such an inspiration! 🇩🇴

This was so beautiful, moving, inspirational, educational, and lovely!

This was so impactful and amazing! Thank you for sharing! 💚

I'm sorry for your loss, but know now that you have gained a great blessing from your great aunt! 💕

This was a beautiful tribute to your aunt she would be proud of you for becoming a strong woman. Rest In Peace to a legend

The fact that you look like heris amazing

Thank you for sharing her legacy with is. Her story is beautiful, amazing, and inspirational! Brought tears to my eyes to see how much she's accomplished and her impact in her community! I think we all strive for our lives to mean as much as her's did and its truly inspirational to hear her story!

Really julissa! You made me cry! This video, you and your tia are an inspiration! Please don't stop what you're doing. I know your tia is very proud of what you're doing and who you've become🧡

This literally made me cry 😢 Dios los bendiga. God Bless. You aunt era lo maximo, always working for her people. Much respect ✊

I can see your aunty deep within you and I just love your passion for your community and to all people! I see the tenacity within you and YOU JUST KEEP AT IT! LOVE YOU for being just you. #Support4rmAPolynesian

That was beautiful, thank you for sharing and educating us about community and the impact it can have on all of us Latinos no matter where we come from. Please keep up the good work, you are just as special as your Aunt!!!

Wow you had me crying in the first five seconds of the video. I'm so sorry for your loss, your tía was a great woman and an inspiration for us all. Thank you so much for sharing her story. ❤️

Thank you for sharing your story through hers. 💜

This had me crying so much😩. I’m glad you want to carry on your tia’s legacy. You can do it and I wish you the best on your journey doing so.❤️

She was such an amazing woman! So brave, strong and inspirational, that even her passing was an important event in her amazing story. Her death lit a fire within you and now you can see your purpose. Truly a beautiful soul. I know you're proud of her, and I think she would be so touched to see this video and so very proud of you too.

Thank you for sharing such an intimate part of your family with us all. I can see she was loved and had commanded the respect of people who came into contact with her. She reminded me so much of my abuela !! I miss her dearly too. I'm sure she is in good company right now. I appreciate this video so much. I love to see contributions that latina's and latino's have made in our past present and future.

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

My condolences on your loss. Sending love and prayers for you and your family. Your Tia didn't need the spot light to shine. An everyday hero❤️

Julissa....so proud....just over the moon.... your aunty was such inspiration. I feel motivated to create community support in my area.... Julissa your already doing it babe... she's so proud of you ..... arriba el bello país de República Dominicana.....

Thank you for sharing her with us! Como Dominicana, this makes me so proud! I can only just imagine how u feel as her family. 🇩🇴🇩🇴 this was really truly awesome. Thank u for sharing her legacy...💙💙💙

Absolutely beautiful!!! I’m crying so hard

Thank you, Julissa, for this post. Ever since I discovered Pero Like a few months ago, I get so much from all of you and this post...I have no words, but it touched me. Abrazos to you, Dear One, and all you love.

This was beautiful, thanks for sharing parts of her legacy. May she Rest In Peace ❤️

So sorry for your loss Julissa! Your tia is a legend! What a beautiful legacy she left behind! I’m sure you’re so proud !

Thank you for sharing her story!!!

This is beautiful. Honoring the strong, talented and caring Latina women who came before us. I was already proud of my abuela, the best cook and advice giver I knew. But I had never known her to work, she had been sick most of my life. After she passed I found out that not too long after relocating here (from Puerto Rico) she had worked for El Centro de Servicos Sociales, a local Latino non-profit, as an interpreter helping families fill out important paperwork, translate meetings with social workers, and even read their mail.

Wow you must be soooo proud. Thanks for sharing this with us. God bless you and emulate your tía.

This just shows how impactful a single person can be, and how much positive change they can bring to communities!!

What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing it

Julissa! This warmed my heart. Made me miss my great aunt dearly. Thank you for sharing. Your aunt was an incredible human being.

This was a truly inspiring video. It gave me a sense of purpose as well. As I am going to be a senior next year, it’s easy to lose sight of my priorities but I know more than anything that when I embark on my path to college, I am going to look for a place where I can be an activist. As a Dominican young woman it is the least that I can do for my heritage. Thank you for this video and I know Normandía is proud of you!

truly humbling to see the enormity of impact made by such a diminutive woman... julissa.... i have no words to quantify the depth to which you touch me.... the spark of your emotions... you are the light, mija.. she passed the torch to you

I loved this video so much. Older relatives rarely share who they were. They only share who they are to you. It's so wonderful you found out who she was. You are amazing and I have no doubt you will be equal in your accomplishments.

Fantastic video. Will share with my students!

This was extremly beautiful im so sorry for your loss but she sure is an amazing woman god bless

I loved this video! It had me crying. But did anyone else get so happy when Gadiel popped in. I’ love your guys friendship

This video gave me chills. It was so well done and beautiful. Thank you

Julissa, this is beautiful. It warms my heart so much to see you, an already proud latina woman be able to look back at someone who you loved dearly and see that passion flow through her as well. This made me shed many tears not only of sadness, but joy to see you gain even more pride in where you come from and who you are❤️❤️❤️

God Bless you JuJu thanking you for sharing your beautiful memories of your Great Auntie.

Julissa! Te amo! Your aunt is watching over and is so proud of you. You’re her living spirit. 💕💕

Yes!! You have a LOT to be PROUD OF!! Congratulations 🍾🎉🎊🎈 I just can imagine how EMOTIONAL you felt once you found out the LEGACY that your aunty left behind!!!!:)

Wow! That is amazing!!! You're so much like her! Girl, believe it, you're definitively making her proud! 💪💖 #esooooo

W I teared up a bit! God Bless her where she is, and may she never be forgotten for giving the Dominicanos a slice of their culture to represent away from home!

Thanks for sharing, sending my sincere condolences to you and your family. God Bless You All

That was beautiful and it in a way very inspiring. Just makes me miss my latin community even more. Sorry for your loss. Cant believe it made me cry

what an inspirational Latin lady! Love this. It made me teary eyed. sorry about your loss.

Just found this, loved it. Every second of it. This gracious Lady was very much aware if the Dominican identity and it's importance. Im sharing this right now.

I am so sorry for your loss. I send love to your family.

WOW! She were very amazing! I am Really Proud... esa señora se merece el cielo. República Dominicana!

This was beautiful... thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

This was beautiful 😢 i cried. Julissa you made her proud

Thank you so much for sharing!!

Thank God for such a powerful woman with great Legacy . And it's such great courage to change her community and educate others Truely has impacted so many lives. Thanks for sharing.

Definitely continuing her legacy! What a wonderful person to have had in your life. Sigue adelante Julissa!!

Sorry for your loss Julissa and at the same time thank you for sharing such an incredible story with us. When we see more and more people like yourself and your aunt (like us), it gives us all hope that everything is indeed possible with persistence and consistency. . . . dios te bendiga