Prologue: Better English than the Americans

My mother’s family came to this country from Colombia in November of 1965 for many reasons, one of which being my mother’s need of an eye operation only being done in New York City at the time.  My grandfather and his brother-in-law were confused as to where to sit on the bus they boarded in Miami. When they came they were neither black nor white enough for either section. The bus law may have changed years before, but in many places, the practice of separating races was still in play.  My family decided to keep their heads down, work hard, speak better English than the Americans, and strive to live in the best neighborhoods.

My father and his family came to this country from Cuba in November of 1969, after 9 years of agonizing waiting. The United States at that time was a difficult place for those who didn’t speak the language.  As such, my family learned to speak English without a Spanish accent and did their best to assimilate while maintaining their pride of being Cubans. Many people today think they are Italians, or even Greek, which makes us all laugh.

A New Chapter: Changing times

“Are you making him wear his Colombia onsie so that everyone at the story-time knows you’re Hispanic?” my husband asked me as I tossed him the outfit I wanted my son to wear.

“Thanks for calling me out,” I blushed. I knew my parents would shake their head at that if they knew I was so self conscious.  

So I took my American born children to their first bilingual story time. The lady was surprised to see my husband come with us. My husband’s family has been in this country since 1898. He is of Russian Jewish and Italian descent. He doesn’t speak Spanish but he fully supports the idea of teaching our children another language, which is great because not everyone is always so supportive. 

I was nervous to take my children to hear stories in both Spanish and English for a few reasons. First, some Americans think it is enough to speak English here.  But what if my children travel overseas?  Or what if they are the only ones able to help another customer in a store communicate with the sales person? Secondly, I was scared of being judged for my children’s complexions. Americans were always surprised that I’m hispanic because I don’t have the completion of Zoe Saldana who starred in Colombiana (although she is actually beautifully Dominican), my children are even more pale. 

Despite my own misgivings, we went to story time anyway.  And you know what? It was great! We spent 30 minutes reading stories, singing songs and watching the kids engage with their neighbors.  And that’s all I want for them anyway. A chance to engage culture while learning a second language.

Epilogue: Exploring a Global Family at the Library

This month the Palm Beach Library system is hosting all kinds of events to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans! I would encourage everyone in the county to chat with their local librarian for a list of activities and ideas! Here are just a few of the ones I’ll be taking my mom or children too this month: 

 

 Dominican Republic’s Traditions
Club Socio-Cultural Dominicano offers a lively presentation highlighting the history and culture of the island of Quisqueya. (60 min.) Preregister.

Sun, Oct 15, 2:30 pm Hagen Ranch Road Branch
Phone: 894-7500

Mexican Folkloric Dance & Music by Ameyal
Ameyal Mexican Cultural Organization presents “The Eagle and the Serpent”. Through music and folkloric dance performances discover the beauty of Mexico’s traditions from the pre-Hispanic period to the present. (60 min.) Preregister.

Sat, Oct 21, 2:30 pmWellington Branch
Phone: 790-6070

Wayna: Music of the Andes 
Andean music group recreates traditional and contemporary sounds and melodies from the highlands of Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia. (60 min.) Preregister.

Sun, Oct 22, 2:30 pm West Boynton Branch
Phone: 734-5556

Tuna of Weston
Musical performance in the traditional style of the Tuna Española, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years to medieval times, in which a group of traveling musicians performs songs in historic costume. (60 min.) Preregister.