The guitar itself was introduced into the family by my granddad on my mothers side of the family, who passed away when my mother was just in her teenage years. The base of the guitar is a light wood finish with the neck having a dark brown wood to compliment the light colors of the base. It was hand-crafted in Japan with the owner of the company inspecting every part of the guitar before he allowed it to be sold. My grandfather had always had a beautiful voice, and finally wanted an instrument to go with it. He bought the guitar in New York, NY after going on a weekend break from the service. He served in the military and took his family and guitar with him everywhere. After his passing, it was passed down to his son who played for years in both middle school and high school. Then it was passed down to my mother who played for a few years after high school before she gave it to my nana who took it with her and her husband (a pastor) to play and sing in each sermon. Years later, it would be passed down to me. The guitar gives me a feeling of connection to ancestors that I have never met. I hope to keep the guitar in my family and eventually pass it down to my kids to keep the tradition going. 

– Dakota Alexander

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more