My guest today is Denzel Mendoza, a Dreamer who went from being homeless on the streets of New York to becoming a GRAMMY award winning trombonist.

He was one of 50 undoumented artists who took part in the jazz album called “AMERICAN DREAMERS– VOICES OF HOPE, MUSIC AND FREEDOM” which was lead by composer John Daversa and took home 3 Grammys back in 2019. 

Denzel was born in Singapore and came to the US at age 5. And then when he was nine years old, his father left the country and abandoned him along with his mother and sister. It happened just two months before his entire family was set to get permanent residency… 

leaving him undocumented. 

Denzel has a new digital album out now called “ILLEGAL SON” where he pours out his undocumented experience through this music. 

FIRST: In this episode– Denzel chats about fatherhood and dealing with family trauma and the impact his dad’s departure had on his life. 

THEN: He shares the ups and downs of chasing a music career in NYC and how he ended up in Portland– and how he picked himself off the streets and got on the road–sharing his music and story all over the United States.

AND FINALLY: How winning a grammy has changed his life, and what he’s up to now. 

I would love your feedback! We now have an instagram account for this podcast– go give us some love– we’re at @AmericasDreamers! Or you can tag me on instagram (@AmericaArias) and twitter at (@AmericaArias) and use the hashtag #AmericasDreamers

Please support this podcast by rating and reviewing the show, it’s a cost-free way to support this content. I would really appreciate a 5-star rating! And let me know if you have any guest suggestions! I’d love to hear from you.