Jennie Smith left the comforts of her old life in the Philippines and arrived in Texas in 2001. At a petite height of 5’3” with bobbed black hair, Smith could pass for any typical Filipino homecare worker. Yet she arrived in America without any housework experience. “When I arrived from the Philippines, I didn’t know how to cook or clean,” said Smith. While having maids to do … [Read more...] about Building a Bedrock for Fellow Immigrants
Building a Bedrock for Fellow Immigrants
Saving La Sirena
http://vimeo.com/81858204 By Laura Rossi and Chanelle Perrin “I feel like La Sirena is here to stay, its not time for us to die, “ Dina Leor said when asked about the fate of her Mexican folk art store, “its time for us to grow.” La Sirena, located in the heart of the East Village on Third Street, is an ancient Mexican folk art store that Leor started by her yearly … [Read more...] about Saving La Sirena
Spanish Guitarist Brings Flamenco to NY
Flamenco music has been part of Alberto Alabedra’s life long before he began learning how to play it. His mother originates from Cordoba in Southern Spain, where Flamenco was created. His grandfather is from Seville and was a Flamenco expert. His father, although from the Catalonia part of Barcelona, has family roots in Tunisia many generations removed. Flamenco is in his … [Read more...] about Spanish Guitarist Brings Flamenco to NY
Necessary Neglect
Andy Deng doesn’t speak to his parents much. It isn’t because they have a strained relationship or anything of the sort. They just usually never meet. Known as Dandy amongst his friends, Deng spends his weekdays at school and weekends with friends. His parents, first-generation immigrants from China, work six to seven days a week. The only time the family really gets … [Read more...] about Necessary Neglect
In New York, Dreaming of Mexico
Stephanie Ortigoza Mexican Immigrant Dreams to Return to His Homeland Every afternoon, Ignacio Hernandez sits on his black rolling chair by his window and watches the news on his plasma TV sitting atop the small brown furniture that also contains souvenirs his family and friends brought him on their trips. His favorite souvenir is the bobble … [Read more...] about In New York, Dreaming of Mexico