THe Immigrant STories Project |
The Immigrant Stories Project is a new initiative from the World Affairs Council of Tacoma to record, capture and present the experiences of Tacoma immigrants in their own words. From the date of its incorporation as a city, immigrants have contributed to the character and vitality of Tacoma. These brief interviews are intended to raise awareness of the immigrant experience in Tacoma and the contributions that immigrants make to our city.
The World Affairs Council is grateful for the work of John Hargis of the Tacoma Public Library in filming these interviews, and Jerell Andres for editing them.
This project is funded by a grant from Tacoma Creates:
LIN ZHOU ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lin Zhou came to the United States as an ESL student. In this interview she describes how she was able to eventually work her way to becoming the President of Bates Technical College |
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MAURICIO ROBALINO ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mauricio was born in Ecuador and is a long-term local artist. He describes his ties to Ecuador, his life in Tacoma and his artistic process. |
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ZAHID CHAUDHRY ------------------------------------------------------------ Zahid was born in Pakistan. He discusses his service in the U.S. military and the different challenges that Muslim immigrants have faced in this country. |
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MARIAM D. KURDGHELAIDZE ANDERSON ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mariam immigrated from the Republic of Georgia following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Here she discusses the life she has created for herself in Tacoma. |
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GADINE MARIE NIYOTWIZEYE ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gadine immigrated from Rwanda to pursue an education. In Tacoma she has worked in the health care sector and sang in Tacoma Refugee choir. Hear her story here: |
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ETGA UGUR ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hear his story here: |
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SOK-KHIENG LIM HARDY ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hear her story here: |
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KERRY RAMROOP ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Kerry, who is originally from Trindidad, relocated to the United States to be with his wife. After moving to Tacoma, he embarked on new career as a nurse, which included helping with the COVID crisis. Hear his story here: |
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RESHMA DAVID Hear her story here: |
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LEON KHALSA-MAULEN ------------------------------------------------------------------- Leon Khalsa-Maulen immigrated to the United States from Germany as a teenager before moving to Tacoma to take a job teaching psychology at Pierce College. Hear the story of his journey toward becoming an American citizen. |
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MAURICE LEKEA ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maurice Lekea came to the United States as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hear his story of how he has made a new life for himself in Tacoma, including his participation in the Tacoma Refugee Choir. |
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