Stan's Story

My grandfather Sam Skolnick grew up in Uman, Ukraine. His brother emigrated to New York in 1910 and sent money back to the family in Crisco cans. The family saved enough to emigrate to the US. They traveled through Havana, a popular stopover for Jews from E Europe. Sam got into a vicious argument with the US officials who ripped up his passport!

He remained in Havana for 3 years pedaling ties and clothes, becoming fluent in Spanish. Ruth Statman went to Havana on vacation where she met and married him. When they came to the US her family were thrilled to learn he was fluent in Spanish and knew how to sell clothes. They sent him to San Antonio to open a clothing store. He traveled to Mexico to buy clothes and good for the store. It was there my mother and later I was born. 

Rhoda's Story

I am named after my great grandmother Rifka Lipiki\es who was killed in the Holocaust in Bialystok, Poland. Both sets of grandparent came from Bialystok which was part of both Russia and Poland. My grandfather came from Ukraine with name of Galbmillion shortened to Million. Most everyone came to Detroit and Toledo.

Todd's Story

My grand folks. Russian Jews. Also from Vienna. Fled both places during the horror of programs. My mother’s father became a highly regarded CPA of Broadway and film stars. He moved from the east coast to Toluca Kate. Died before I was born. My father’s father was a tailor and pretty poor his whole life. After the Shoah my family paid no attention to their Jewishness. It wasn’t allowed me to know I was Jewish until I discovered at 12. Sorrow and loss. 

Louise's Story

My mother, Katsuyo Kasai, was an orphan who survived the bombing of Tokyo in 1945. She married an American GI during the Occupation and spent the next 65 years in this country. She raised 4 children who became parents, business owners, college educators, activists. Her children, including me, are part of the American fabric. We are the beneficiaries of her courage and resilience. 

Charles's Story

Husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, professor, scholar, author, reader, writer. My mother, Ella Jane Ellington (1939-2021), and my father, Jerry H. Hatfield (1938-2021), grew up and fell in love in their adoptive hometown, Cleburne, Texas, and we were an itinerant military (USAF) family of the Cold War era. Today my family bridges California and New England, and we are teachers, artists, activists, and nerds.

Jeffrey's Story

I was born in Long Beach, California. I fell in love with this piano when I was 7 years old when my parents bought a Sohmer upright. That as the beginning of my life long affair with that 88 note magnificent musical creature. My family immigrated from Russia. And, indeed, I like a lot of the music from Russian composers like Rachmaninov. 

John's Story

My father came here from Slovakia in the 1960’s. He created a wonderful life of opportunity for his wife and 4 children here in the US. I’ve been lucky enough to go visit his childhood home.

Lawrence's Story

The year was 1908. Ellis Island . A 14 year old boy from Ukraine had set foot in America at last. His two younger brothers would soon follow. He had to learn English and soon learned a trade in the jewelry business working with gold and others precious metals.

Not too many years later he met a young lady, who had been dating his younger brother. That young lady was to become my grandmother. That young boy was my grandfather.

By 1933 my grandparents had two children, a daughter, Hannah and a son, Martin. They lived in Brooklyn those early years with my grandfather learning the ins and outs of the jewelry business. However, Martin developed ear infections every winter. It was also the height of the depression. So my grandparents decided to move to California. Not super highways, in fact hardly a paved road in 1933. But that did not stop them from driving across the country in a 1929 Model A Ford with a rumble seat. Martin made it to California in that car, but along the way, at 10 years of age, he learned to drive. That young man became my father. And the rest is history.

Emma's Story

I just got here in the US from the Philippines few months ago through my son who lived in California since he was 11 yrs. old. It did not took long before he was able to get me to live and work here. I like the weather and the environment as a whole.

Aalia's Story

Part of my family is from Dominican Republic and immigrated here. The other part of my family is African American. Haven’t been that exposed to my Dominican side but I'm excited for what my future hold for that side of me.

Miguel's Story

Born to immigrant parents who came from Guadalajara Mexico. Grew up in poor neighborhood of Panorama City and moved to Sylmar. First college graduate in the family and went on to earn 2 Master’s degrees.

Rebeca's Story

My whole family was born in Guatemala, except for me. My two sisters and parents came here way before I was ever born. My dad fled the country due to conflicts surrounding a Guatemalan civil war in the 80s and my mom left her affluent lifestyle in the name of love for my father. By coming to California, they had to start from scratch to get to where we are now. I’ve grown up listening to many stories about the struggles my family went through. From splitting a burger in 4 parts, to dumpster diving for cardboard, my parents worked diligently to provide for themselves and their daughters. I’m grateful to be raised by hardworking and dedicated parents who instilled the importance of love, faith, and resilience in each one of us. Their story is one I tell proudly.

Elise's Story

My family is originally from Lithuania and Germany. We are Jewish. We fled Eastern Europe just before World War II. My family immigrated to America through Ellis Island. My family built successful businesses in Stubenville, Ohio and then later in Miami, Florida. Now I live in Redondo Beach, California. I’m proud to be Jewish and love celebrating the holidays with my family. 

Ishani's Story

I am Ishani and I live in Redondo Beach with my family . My family immigrated from India for a better life. I like it here because I can be myself … both Indian and American, embrace both cultures.