Story #120: Remi Cruz, Keylatch Founder on Jorge Palmarin’s Legacy and More.

Josh Cogsell and Jorge Palmarin Post Grad

Remi Cruz ‘86 founded and directed PBHA’s Keylatch program during his undergraduate years at the organization. In his speech, he shares his story of coming to Harvard College and engaging with the Boston community. He pays homage to major figures from his journey, including Jorge Palmarin. Jorge was one of the first campers in PBHA’s Keylatch Summer Program (KSP) and one of the first junior counselors. After his work with SUP, Jorge was a ground-floor member of City Year, established the Tent City Teen Center, co-founded the South End/Lower Roxbury Youth Workers Alliance, and worked with several other community-based organizations, including Teen Empowerment, IBA - Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF). In May 2008, Jorge passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. PBHA established the Jorge Palmarín Rising Leader Award in 2013 to commemorate his contributions to SUP and the Boston community and to honor his enduring legacy.

The following is a transcript from Remi Cruz’s speech at PBHA’s Alumni Weekend on Nov. 9th, 2024.

The contributions of Greg Johnson made a big difference in my experience here at Harvard. I want to share my story.

I arrived at Harvard in 1982, fresh out of Trenton, New Jersey—a Puerto Rican kid from a low-income background. I experienced a cultural shock that almost made me doubt whether they had made a mistake letting me into Harvard. But I knew I had to ground myself, so I focused on something that could nourish me: not just my body, but my soul as well. This led me to explore Boston's Latino neighborhoods, where I met people who welcomed me into their homes.

In return, I offered to help their children with their homework, simply because I happened to be a Harvard student. They couldn’t believe that Puerto Ricans were at Harvard. Through these interactions, I discovered my passion for community service, and these families took pride in knowing that one of their own was at Harvard. This sense of belonging and purpose ultimately inspired me to take on the challenge from Steve Hawkins to create the Keylatch program.

Back then, sociologists had described a group of children called "latchkey children"—kids who came home to an empty house, with a key on a string around their necks. So we reversed it: Keylatch.

Greg Johnson played a pivotal role in my journey. He encouraged me to be authentic, even when the world challenged my presence at Harvard. I had encounters with Harvard police on six separate occasions—being thrown up against walls, arrested, or stereotyped because I didn’t look like a typical Harvard student. I once asked one of the officers, "What does a Harvard student look like?" He responded, "Well, get rid of the sneakers and get yourself some penny loafers."

Greg helped me navigate these difficult times. He told me, "Focus on what you can control—your thoughts, your actions, and your ability to contribute something meaningful." He made me feel like I could be somebody. So, thank you, Greg.

I also want to thank Senator Garcia. Through PBHA and the PS program, I built many relationships with parents, community leaders, corporations, and even the mayor’s office. I remember going to meet a woman named Carmen Poland. Someone said to me, “You’ve got to meet Carmen Poland!” I said, “Okay.” So I went to meet her. She was expecting me, and I introduced myself. When I got her business card, it said “Carmen Poland.” I was blown away.

You see, I was the first student in my class to arrive at Harvard Yard on the first day of school. I was parked in front of the gate at 4:00 a.m. My parents were like, "What are we doing here so early?" But I was just so excited. Finally, they opened the gates, and the guard came up to me and said, “Pack your tiny guy.” I said, “What?” He said again, “You pack your tiny guy.” It was a funny experience.

Anyway, we went on to establish the Keylatch program, which addresses community needs and provides after-school tutoring and summer camp experiences at no cost to disadvantaged youth. It blows my mind that Keylatch is still around, still running after all these years. But it’s also ironic—starting a program that lasts 40 years was easier than getting some people to accept that there could be a Puerto Rican at Harvard.

The most rewarding aspect of founding Keylatch has been witnessing its internal legacy. I’ve been back a couple of times, and there are moments when young children tell me, “Thank you for starting the program. Do you remember my grandmother? My grandfather? We all went through Keylatch.” It humbles me.

Keylatch is more than just academic support. It’s about fostering a sense of community, belonging, and love. That’s the legacy that has grown over the years.

During my first year with Keylatch, I met Victoria Rivera, who later went on to become the president of PBHA. My life transformed when I met her. She was kind, intelligent, and had an unwavering commitment to social justice. Today, I thank God for meeting her, because she’s been my partner in life and in love ever since.

I want to share the story of George Palmarin. He was just 12 years old when I started tutoring him in Keylatch. He grew up to be an incredible community leader in Boston—an activist and a true champion for youth. But to me, George was always just “little George.” We became close friends, and he taught me one of life’s most important lessons: that it’s okay for one man to say, “I love you” to another man.

The last time I saw George, he was in the hospital, fighting cancer. As we said goodbye, he told me, “Remy, I love you.” I said, “George, I love you.” I didn’t know that would be our last conversation.

Afterward, I went home and started saying, “I love you” to my dad, to my brothers. In my Latin culture, men don’t speak like that, so they were perplexed. But now, my father and I say, “I love you” to each other every time we talk. My brothers and I do the same. And I say “I love you” to my son, my cousins, and my nephews—it's something they never knew was an issue.

So, I have to thank George for teaching me that lesson. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—grateful for Greg, for PBHA, for Steve Hawkins, for the South End community, and for the opportunity to make a difference.

My message is simple: Be yourself. Listen to your heart. Trust yourself. These were the lessons Greg Johnson taught me, and I’m passing them along to you. Let’s continue to serve, uplift, and build communities that embody the love, resilience, and strength I found through PBHA and the Keylatch program.

Thank you.