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This Place, Our Words

Cassandra, Nicaragua:

"But the war began in 1979 and then it was impossible for us to leave Nicaragua. Once the Sandinistas took control of the country, the tragedy began. It was terrible for everyone, but especially for those of comfortable means because the Sandinistas took possession of everything. Those who had connections with the Somoza government — if they were unable to escape — were arrested. They tortured the people, raped the children, etc. As for my family, my uncle was Somoza's pilot and my father was director of the railroad. My uncle was able to escape but not my father. My father was arrested and we did not know where he was until a "guardian angel" was able to get him released, although it was much later on. My sister took charge of us and tried to get my father out of prison. My family, like all families of means, lost a lot. The Communists seized homes and other properties.

"What was the impact? How shall I explain? Well, before arriving in the United States I lived a privileged life in Nicaragua. My father — who started out with nothing worked very hard provide all the comforts for his family. My mother also. In Nicaragua the children of comfortable families attend private schools. We had maids, a chauffeur, etc. When I came to California it was a great change. My mother lived in a small apartment in an area to which I was not accustomed. My mother had to work cleaning houses in order to support us. I had to cook and clean before my mother returned from work. I had to go to public school and take public transportation, something I was not accustomed to do — nor did I know where it was. This was very difficult for me.

"My husband had to leave his old life in Nicaragua. He was in his second year of study in business administration, and when he arrived in the United States, since he did not speak English, he began to work in a fast-food restaurant. Later on he worked making deliveries for an international company. Now, years later, he is an executive in the international marketing department of the same company. This is the reason we are in Tennessee. He was promoted and moved to a management position in the local office.

"I want the people of Tennessee to know us — who we are and why we are here. We are people who, for many different reasons, were forced to leave our countries in search of a better life. We are not here to become a burden, but to work hard so we can give our families a better life. Behind each person there is a tragedy. We have survived and risked a lot to arrive here. We are not a menace to the community. On the contrary, we are a force that strongly contributes to the growth of this community."

For questions, comments, or more information about this project, contact Melissa Davis at Humanities Tennessee, 615-770-0006, ext. 16, or by email at melissa@humanitiestennessee.org.

Creditos/Credits:

Gracias al periódico The Commercial Appeal por las fotografías de Memphis. Gracias a la Biblioteca y Archivos del Estado de Tennessee por distribución del la publicación.

Thanks to The Commercial Appeal for the Memphis photographs. Thanks also to the Tennessee State Library and Archives for distribution of this publication.

For Further Reading:

Latino Studies:

Delgado, Richard and Jean Stefancic, Eds. The Latino Condition. A Critical Reader. NY: New York University Press, 1998.

This collection features numerous perspectives on a range of issues central to contemporary Latino experience by Latino authors, but may require some knowledge of Latino history and culture.

Gonzalez, Juan. Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America. New York, NY: Viking Press, 2000.

This work focuses on the history of United States and Latin American relations and on six major Latin American migrant groups, a Latino perspective on the evolution of the U.S. and how it has effected immigration.

Gonzales, Manuel G. Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1999.

This history of Mexican-Americans is noted for going beyond topics of oppression and activism, and providing insight into the lives of a variety of people from within this complex community.

Murphy, Arther D., Colleen Blanchard, and Jennifer A. Hill, Eds. Latino Workers in the Contemporary South. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2001.

This collection from the Southern Anthropological Society examines the impact of rising Latino migration to various regions of the South, and how newcomers are adapting to the workforce.

Novas, Himilce. Everything You Need to Know About Latino History. NY: Plume, 1994.

A basic guide to historical figures, holidays, and cultural history.

Suro, Roberto. Strangers Among Us : How Latino Immigration Is Transforming America. NY: Vintage Books, 1998.

A very accessible survey of contemporary Latino immigration, with controversial policy recommendations.

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