This necklace first belonged to my great grandmother. It has been passed down through generations. My grandmother got it from her great grandmother when they were traveling to America from Jamaica. They moved to Texas for the low cost of living, and better employment opportunities. My mom inherited it for her sixteenth birthday, one of her first pieces of valuable jewelry. I inherited it in 2011 when I was 15 years old. My mom let me have it once she believed I was old enough to appreciate and take care of it. When she gave it to me, she explained that it should always remind my roots, no matter how far I travel. I have never left home without it, it is my piece of home even though I am thousands of miles away. It always remains in a place that is visible to me at all times, normally next to a picture of my grandmother hanging on my wall. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, since she died before I was born. Having this piece of jewelry helps to feel connected to both her and my roots. This necklace is over a century old. It is a silver locket on a silver chain. I look forward to the day I can pass this necklace down to my own child, and explain how it connects us to the past.

– Minga Prather

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