Since I was little, I always saw my mother wearing grey hoop earrings. To her, they weren’t just jewelry—they were a way to show who she was, her beauty, and her roots. On my 14th birthday, she gave me my first pair of hoops. It was more than just a gift—it was a symbol that I was growing up, moving from a girl to a young woman.I was born in Angola, but my parents are from Congo. My family has a history of immigration, of change, and of keeping our culture alive no matter where we are. The hoops my mother gave me carry all of that. Many Black women wear these earrings because they represent our identity, our strength, and our connection to those who came before us.Every time I put on my hoops, I feel more confident and connected to my roots. They remind me of my mother, my family, and everything that makes me who I am. Today, they are more than just an accessory—they are a part of my story. They are a symbol of who I am and of the pride I have in my culture. 

– MB

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant