By Marisol Joven
For Anabella Cespedes, some of the most meaningful connections between generations begin with something simple: a story, a song, or a few words spoken in Spanish.
Born in Peru, Anabella is deeply proud of her Peruvian roots. Three years ago, she and her
family moved to Kearny. It did not take long for them to feel that they had found more than a
new place to live, they had found a community.
“I love the diversity, the strong sense of community, and especially being surrounded by so many different cultures and families,” Anabella says. “I am grateful to be part of this community.”
That appreciation for family and heritage is also at the heart of Little Spanish Scholars, the program Anabella founded to bring bilingual storytimes to libraries, schools, and communities. Through storytelling, music, movement, and play, she creates opportunities for children to experience Spanish in a way that feels joyful and welcoming.
Seeing children become excited to speak Spanish and connect with their roots is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. “My Hispanic and Peruvian heritage is a very important part of who I am,” she says. “It has given me a deep love for our language, music, stories, and traditions.”
For Anabella, Little Spanish Scholars is a way to turn that love into something she can give to others. A bilingual storytime can help a Spanish-speaking child hear something familiar and feel proud. At the same time, it can introduce another child to words, songs, and traditions they may be experiencing for the first time.
That spirit of sharing is one of the things Anabella appreciates most about Kearny. “The
Hispanic community brings so much warmth, culture, and tradition to Kearny,” she says. “Our language, music, food, and strong sense of family add to what makes this town so special.”
Most recently, Anabella brought Little Spanish Scholars to Curiosity by Nest on Midland Avenue, where children and their families gathered for bilingual storytime. Through stories, music, and movement, children participated together while parents watched, smiled, and shared in the experience. It was a small gathering with a larger meaning: families creating memories while celebrating a culture that is an important part of Kearny.
For Anabella, preserving that connection for children matters.“I hope future generations
continue speaking Spanish, sharing our music and stories, celebrating where their families come from, and passing that pride on to their own children.”
Her hope for Kearny is equally heartfelt: that the town continues embracing its growing Hispanic community while celebrating all the cultures that make it special.
She describes Kearny as “a welcoming community filled with hardworking families who are proud of their heritage and excited to share their language, traditions, and culture with others.”
Perhaps that is why Anabella’s story feels so at home here. She arrived in Kearny carrying the memories and traditions of Peru and found a community where she could share them with others.
And now, through every story, song, and Spanish word shared with a child, Anabella is helping another generation understand that celebrating where you come from can also be a beautiful part of calling Kearny home.
Marisol Joven is a longtime Kearny resident, freelance writer, community advocate, and one half of the Mari Twins, with family roots in Spain and Ecuador.
