This multidisciplinary work explores the complexities of pursuing the “American Dream,” especially as it relates to preserving cultural identity while confronting social and political issues, including transgenerational trauma. It reflects the nuanced experiences of first-generation individuals and immigrants, emphasizing the challenges and resilience that define their journey. At its core, the work centers on the power of community, how coming together in sacred communal spaces allows people to celebrate, mourn, and heal collectively. These gatherings are more than social events; they are acts of resistance and remembrance, connecting us back to our roots through sight, sound, and taste. The concept of a “recipe” is used symbolically, not just referring to food, but as a metaphor for the ingredients needed to move through life: the ways we move our bodies, create community, and assert our presence in a world that often marginalizes us. Through these shared practices, people of multiple backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences are brought together. This is where culture and liberation meet, where joy becomes radical and preservation becomes a celebration. By blending performance, tradition, and activism, the work offers a dynamic space for honoring heritage while envisioning new, inclusive futures. Ultimately, this piece serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring strength and creativity of marginalized communities. It’s a call to take up space with pride and intention, to find healing in togetherness, and to recognize that cultural preservation is itself a revolutionary act. This project is made possible through support from the MAP Fund, affirming the importance of multidisciplinary art in advancing social change and collective healing.