Groundswell

America is a nation of immigrants. We prosper on the contributions of the many cultures and traditions of people who have, and continue to shape our American landscape, past and present. There is no one story that inspires our American Narrative, but a collection of heartening accounts from past and present that have influenced our commitment to show the humanity of our immigrant experience. Our mural compares the history of Ellis Island to present stories of immigration today. While we set out to display the similarities and differences of this journey, we ultimately gravitated towards the courage it takes for an individual to build a future in America from the margins. America offers a beautiful dream to attain, but this reality is not fair for all, nor is it without sacrifice or challenge. We wish to honor those who make this journey, those who have courage, those who dream big, and those who work remarkably to create opportunity despite fear, policy or prejudice.

 

 

What immigration story has inspired you the most?

Nathaniel remembers an immigrant family using social media to fight injustice

Gabby sees how immigrants have been limited unfairly because of not having citizenship
Ranin found the contrast between an imagined America and the one she found when she immigrated

 

In the process of creating the murals, which part of the murals hold the significant meaning in your life and in what ways are you showcased in the murals?

Ranin finds her story when she first immigrated in the artwork
Nathaniel sees similar threads of immigration past and present
Mei sees her personal and family’s immigration experience in the murals
Gabby looks to the panels and see immigrants and their hard work

 

Which part of the mural help showcase the experience that immigrants share today?

Nathaniel sees the fifth panel as a reflecting humanity in immigration
Ranin – “Looking at historic panels help us understand their hardships”

 

How has this project influenced your outlook on immigration?

Mei now understands immigration past what she reads from the history books
Gabby sees the same struggles immigrants face, past and present
Nathaniel – this project “gives me a more human side of immigrants”
Shakeema finds more respect for current immigrants through this project
Ranin – The project has helped her see the “normalcy” of her immigrant identity

 

As you know, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are one of the over 400 National Parks in the United States. How has this project impacted your understanding of the National Parks?

Eden sees this project fitting New York City’s diversity
Nathaniel – The National Parks can bring out the message of immigration that other institutions cannot
Mei – “The National Parks represent the immigrants and their stories”
Gabby – Sees the panels help visitors connect more deeply to immigration
Ranin – “The National Park Service values immigration”

 

What is the main message you want visitors to take away from the murals?

Ranin – The panels reveal that “immigration is beautiful”