The Hidden Gems of the RGV

OutInThe956 posted on its webpage for the first time on April 5, 2020. The page’s mission is to ‘spotlight’ the small artists, musicians, and businesses that shape the Rio Grande Valley.

Two years ago, Ramiro Gonzalez founded OutInThe956. He is an alumnus of UTRGV with a Mass Communication major and a concentration in broadcast.

Before the 2019 COVID-Pandemic, Gonzalez discovered that the majority of the community was unaware of the unnoticed number of talents and businesses in the Valley.

“OutInThe956 is about shining a light on the hidden gems of the valley,”  Gonzalez said. “It feels like it’s never-ending. There are a lot of people to know about, even if it’s like local restaurants and stuff. It’s just showing people what’s out there.”

Currently, OutInThe956 has 3,284 followers on Instagram. With this expansion, there have been obstacles. Gonzalez said that social media prevents him from taking a break. Consequently, he is sometimes exhausted. Gonzalez presently works as a newscast director for Channel Four and tries to devote his free time to maintaining his website.

“I put a lot in myself,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t even do the weekly roundups anymore because I pay someone to do those now for me because those take time like collecting the flyers and then looking over my Google Images and back on like Canva and like putting all the info.”

According to Gonzalez, he did not spend much time considering the page’s title. He chose the first one that came to his mind. However, he also considered ‘What’s Inside the 956’ and ‘In the 956.’ After some drafts, scrabbles, and word swaps, he settled on ‘OutInThe956.’

After working on OutInThe956 for two years, Gonzalez has created unforgettable memories. Gonzalez said his most memorable experience is attending events and meeting new people. Gonzalez added that he sometimes feels like a mini-celebrity since people become nervous around him, even though he stresses that he works his page for fun.

“When I go out to events, and I meet people within our community. And I’ve had people say like, ‘oh, you know, I’ve been reading your stuff since I started college and like, now I’m going to graduate,” Gonzalez said. “Some people told me we look up to you and stuff. It leaves me speechless. It’s something you don’t expect at all.”

Gonzalez claims his motivation to continue working on OutInThe956 stems from his improvement over time. “Creating OutInThe956 has helped me become more confident and interact more with the community in the Rio Grande Valley,” he said.

Growing up, Gonzalez did not have many friends, and he often thinks about how happy his younger self would be with him now.

“I think my biggest motivations are like myself and how I’ve changed throughout the years,” Gonzalez said. “This has really helped me come out of my shell.”

The platform continues to grow. Gonzalez is grateful for his support over the years and intends to continue bringing attention to overlooked individuals.

“If it’s your first time reading a post, I appreciate it,” Gonzalez said. “It’s been two years, but it feels like less. It’s been really nice meeting everybody. I can’t say what’s to come. But for now, it’s just what’s in the moment for sure.” People interested in learning more about OutInThe956 may email outinthe956@gmail.com or message @outinthe956 on Instagram.