Carrying Home Across Borders: My Family’s Migration and the Bahamian Flag



Migration is more than simply relocating from one country to another—it is about carrying a part of your homeland with you wherever you go. When families move, they often hold on to objects, traditions, or symbols that remind them of who they are and where they come from. These items become more than possessions; they serve as anchors of memory and identity in unfamiliar surroundings. For my family, the most powerful symbol of our migration story is the Bahamian flag.


My family’s journey from Nassau, Bahamas, to the United States was not just about starting over in a new land, but about keeping alive the spirit of the island that shaped us. We left behind familiar faces, community traditions, and the rhythm of island life, but we carried our values, culture, and sense of belonging with us. The Bahamian flag, with its striking aquamarine, gold, and black design, became a constant reminder of where we came from and the strength that allowed us to begin again. For us, it is more than a national emblem—it is a symbol of memory, resilience, and pride. Each part of the flag connects directly to our family’s story, from the ocean we left behind to the resilience we needed to succeed in a new place. This essay will explore my family’s migration from Nassau, the meaning of the Bahamian flag, the challenges and adjustments of life in the United States, and how this symbol continues to shape our identity today love

– TSD

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