Music has  always been a part of my life: it moved me, made me feel and sing in ways I never thought I could have. And it was all thanks to my maternal great-grandfather; he lived his life in every it was meant to be lived and then some. My great-grandfather was just a child when his parents brought him and his younger sibling to The United States in September of 1920. Despite being very young and speaking little to no English, he still found ways to connect with the people in his neighborhood through a universal method: music. He would sit outside of his home and play the guitar, and not only would his next door neighbors come to sit and hear him, but neighbors doors down would open their windows just hear him sing. My great grandfather had the charm and kindness that drew others towards him in ways that were extraordinary. When I need comfort or feel a way can't seem to get myself out of, I pick up. my guitar and I channel my great-grandfather, and I just exist in that time. 

– Maile

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