My family’s American story began when some of my family migrated from Mexico to Chicago around the year 2000. My aunt is the most representative of my cultural identity because she was the first person who migrated to Chicago and then started to bring all her siblings. My object is a gold chain that has a pendant of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. She is usually depicted with brown skin, an angel and moon at her feet and rays of sunlight that encircle her. This necklace was passed down from my great-grandma to my grandma then my mom. The Virgin of Guadalupe is important to our Catholic religion and is known for protecting people as well as the country from harm. My necklace is from Mexico and when my mom decided to migrate to the United States, she made sure to bring it with her for strength and protection in a new country. My grandma decided to give it to my mom because she thought she wouldn't see her again and wanted to make sure she is always safe, as well as have something to remember her by. This object is important to me because every time I see it or wear it, I feel the Virgin of Guadalupe, as well as my grandmother, is watching over my family.

– Liliana S.

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