During the 90s, a gold necklace was passed down to my mother from her own mother as a graduation present. My mom, just like my grandma, had a difficult life being African American growing up in the small southern town Bassett, which was brimming with racism. My grandma found pride in her few pieces of jewelry as her family never had wealth or objects of value, so this necklace is the only piece of jewelry that has been passed down to me. My mother is my greatest inspiration, she's always been the constant in my life. She has been everything and anything that a mother could be. This necklace reminds me of the strength and independence both she and my grandma share from experiencing being single mothers in a world in which it is frowned upon. She always kept the necklace in a certain box making sure that it would never tarnish. Thus, I will continue to do the same as it reminds me to respect one's history.I’ll always cherish this necklace as it helps me remember my mom’s past and how I’m not alone in my feelings from being in predominantly white institutions my entire life. While I haven’t experienced a room in which I am the majority, the necklace helps me find pride in being the minority.

– M.K

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant