Susan Yawa, 1970s I am the daughter of Katherine and Preston who raised me in the company of change makers and racial dreamers. They spoke to us in the language of education, justice and freedom both in their words and actions. I entitled this conference flier ‘Osmosis’ because it has always felt to me thatContinue reading “Osmosis”
Category Archives: Memories
“I Am From…”
Anonymous (Educator), 2019 I am from…fried chicken, collard greens, corn bread, coal mines and domestic work…Harlem 1960s.
“I Am From…”
Anonymous (Educator), 2019 I am Brooklyn born and raised. All day every day. I am Puerto Rican, where the rice and beans are awesome and meats are delicious, and coquito tastes good.
We Are One
Anonymous (Educator), 2019 Elephants represent prosperity to my family as I recall. It means that when you have family you are rich. Family to the Spanish and Creole culture are very strong and connected, and family is very important. Therefore, the string of elephants holding each other’s tail represents my family and culture – weContinue reading “We Are One”
Family Photo
Anna Valdes, ICCD Rego Park, 2019 If I had to select a special object in our home, it would be the portrait of Noah and I hanging on our wall. Noah came to me at four weeks old through the Foster Care system. He remained with me until a family member, not familiar to Noah,Continue reading “Family Photo”
Carving Pumpkins
Nicole, 2017 Culture is all around us, the traditions and the forms of self-expression that we carry forward and pass down. Every Fall, my boyfriend’s family throws a pumpkin-carving party. Around 80 people – family, friends, neighbors, friends of friends – come each year, some traveling hours to get there. We spend the day playingContinue reading “Carving Pumpkins”
El Flamboyan Tree
Marisol, 1980s When I see this painting of “El Flamboyan Tree” in my mother’s home, it transports me to Puerto Rico, where my grandparents are from. Born and raised in the South Bronx, my first trip to Puerto Rico was when I was eight years old. I remember being in awe of the sounds, theContinue reading “El Flamboyan Tree”
Panamanian Unity
Sandra, Summer 2018 I went to Panama this summer to celebrate a wedding and family reunion with my husband’s dad’s side of the family who are from there. They were all so warm, full of joy and really represented unity in my eyes. During my time in Panama, I picked up this shell from aContinue reading “Panamanian Unity”
