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Sosa Family: Evangelina Sosa (Elder), Tammy Hunt
Sosa Family: Evangelina Sosa (Elder), Tammy Hunt
Mexican American Stories
Evangelina Sosa begins her story of love and family in Sonora, Mexico. She was born in a small town called Agua Prieta, but raised in Sonora. Life in Mexico revolved around her large family of eleven brothers and sisters. Her father worked as a carpenter and her mother was a homemaker and seamstress. Although Evangelina was only able to attend school through the sixth grade, her mother taught her important domestic skills. Evangelina learned to sew and cook at a very young age, which enabled her to help her mother care for the large family and assist with the sewing…
Cuevas Family: Ricardo Antonio Cuevas (Youth), Brandon Stevens
Cuevas Family: Ricardo Antonio Cuevas (Youth), Brandon Stevens
Mexican American Stories
Between 1910 and 1930, over one million Mexicans migrated to the U.S. to seek a better life. Still today, the dream of creating better living circumstances continues to motivate people to take this hazardous journey. Each day, hundreds of Mexican men, women and children risk their lives crossing the border into the U.S. They travel through the cold mountains, the desert and valleys. Many of these immigrants have come to the U.S. in search of employment in numerous industries. For the Cuevas family, the dream of a new life in the U.S., outweighed the danger of the journey…
Sosa Family: Olivia Sosa (Middle), April Foster
Sosa Family: Olivia Sosa (Middle), April Foster
Mexican American Stories
A young Olivia was told many things, “stand up straight,” “chew with your mouth closed” and other such demands. Often, requests such as those fall upon deaf ears. Olivia was also told to stay in school and get an education. This, she did not forget. These words have remained with her throughout her life. Graduating from University of the Pacific, Olivia has followed this advice as she continues learning as a successful business woman…
Sosa Family: John J. Arguelles (Youth), George Kim
Sosa Family: John J. Arguelles (Youth), George Kim
Mexican American Stories
In the U.S. the word machismo often connotes forceful, even aggressive behavior. Elsewhere, some see its meaning as the basic ability to take care of one’s self, to endure difficult times, and to build a family foundation. Machismo is a code that embraces self-mastery, courage, consistency, fair dealings and personal honesty. John achieved machismo, a mark of maturity, through his commitment to family, success in achieving goals despite adverse conditions, and pride in his Mexican heritage…
Cuevas Family: Angel Cuevas (Elder), Jenna Aguilera
Cuevas Family: Angel Cuevas (Elder), Jenna Aguilera
Mexican American Stories
Angel Cuevas was born in San Nicolas de Acuna Jalisco, Mexico, in 1936. He grew up in a loving family but was challenged from a young age to seek a better life. On the other hand, as a member of a Mexican family, he was taught one of life’s greatest virtues—respect for others and particularly for one’s family. He has always tried to improve himself while maintaining strong family ties…
Cuevas Family: Ricardo Cuevas (Middle), Janelle Fleming
Cuevas Family: Ricardo Cuevas (Middle), Janelle Fleming
Mexican American Stories
Growing up as the eldest of five children, Ricardo Cuevas had a sense of responsibility and of being more of an adult than his younger siblings. Ricardo was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and grew up in the neighboring town of Zapotitan. He has three sisters—Reynalda, Angelica, Marisela and a brother Gerardo. His feelings of responsibility were enhanced by the absence of his father, who first came to the U.S. in 1961. Ricardo’s father wanted to make a better life for his family, but to do that he first had to leave behind his wife and two young children…
Hirata Family: Karen Cairel (Youth), April Foster
Hirata Family: Karen Cairel (Youth), April Foster
Japanese American Stories
For Karen Cairel, coming-of-age was a journey, involving many steps and the support of loving family ties. She treasures the model her grandmother provided showing her that adult life can be bright and positive. Karen’s religion of Buddhism and Japanese heritage provided the values that guided her to maturity. She remembers the support of parents who adjusted quickly as she began to make adult choices. In sum, she was warmly cared for as she made her way toward adulthood…
Komure Family: Kathryn "Katy" Komure (Elder), Jacob Lethbridge
Komure Family: Kathryn "Katy" Komure (Elder), Jacob Lethbridge
Japanese American Stories
Since she was a young girl in French Camp, Katy Komure found her life defined by work. Despite a constant struggle to reach her goals, things had a way of working out for Katy. She focused on what she thought important and found she could succeed despite social barriers which stood in her way…
Komure Family: Dean Komure (Middle), Lori Iwamasa
Komure Family: Dean Komure (Middle), Lori Iwamasa
Japanese American Stories
Dean Komure grew up, knowing in his heart, that if his word was good, he would always have something. That would be the pride of being a Japanese American. Dean learned this from his parents and it is what he has passed on to his children…
Hirata Family: Toshiye Hirata (Elder), Amy E. Smith
Hirata Family: Toshiye Hirata (Elder), Amy E. Smith
Japanese American Stories
Toshiye Hirata holds in her hands a valuable letter. Its value doesn’t come from the fame of the writer or from historical significance—but rather from the intense depth of its personal meaning for her. The letter is a Namu Amida Butsu, a Buddhist expression of sincerest, heartfelt gratitude. It was written to her by her husband, Roy Ko Hirata. In the letter he thanks her from the bottom of his heart for how she raised two daughters and a son with him, diligently and lovingly, and how she worked side by side with him through the many hardships of their …
Hirata Family: Henry Hirata (Middle), Tara Runnels
Hirata Family: Henry Hirata (Middle), Tara Runnels
Japanese American Stories
Henry and his sisters think of themselves as part of the Nisei generation, although their mother was also born in America. Typically, Nisei are challenged to live a mixture of Japanese and American culture. Having the opportunity to participate in school events gave him confidence socially. Still, on occasion, Henry felt he was different or separate from his classmates. For example, he knew instinctively that he could not openly date a Caucasian girl. Realizing the existence of such limits, he was torn between wanting to be accepted and having pride in his heritage…
Komure Family: Roxanne Komure (Youth), Oksana Ivanschencko
Komure Family: Roxanne Komure (Youth), Oksana Ivanschencko
Japanese American Stories
Within a young Japanese woman’s journey to adulthood, the culture does not offer one specific ritual or even that marks the moment that she leaves her childhood behind. Roxanne is no exception to the rule. While there is not one significant event that causes Roxanne to feel like an adult, she predicts that the sum of experiences that helped her grow and mature, will equate to Roxanne becoming a responsible and independent adult…
Sorn Family: Sonn Meong (Elder), Amy Smith
Sorn Family: Sonn Meong (Elder), Amy Smith
Cambodian American Stories
Traditional music and the sound of the Khmer language are among Sonn Moeng’s favorite childhood memories. They remind him of a homeland and a way of life devastated by war. Today, he lives in an adopted country, surrounded by a language he does not speak and struggles to understand a culture that is not his own…
Pech Family: Rottana Prak (Youth), Danielle Bosch
Pech Family: Rottana Prak (Youth), Danielle Bosch
Cambodian American Stories
All over the country, at this very moment, parents are asking their children for help with the chores. And all over the country, teenagers are…turning up their headphones, or heading for the door. Or, if they’re like Rottana Prak, they are simply saying “Yes.” Rottana is a typical high school student who likes to spend time with her friends, enjoys music and movies, and is interested in X-treme sports. But she is also a teenager who knows her roots. She knows what her family endured in Cambodia as their beautiful homeland was shattered by war and the brutalities of the …
Pech Family: Ky Pech (Elder), May Lin
Pech Family: Ky Pech (Elder), May Lin
Cambodian American Stories
There are many situations that Ky Pech could have marked as the beginning of her adulthood. Her parents gave her a great amount of responsibility at an early age. Fulfilling that responsibility was her greatest accomplishment, but Ky Pech doesn’t feel as though that alone marked the beginning of her adulthood. She helped her family financially, earning money by working in the rice fields of Cambodia. Ky Pech also helped her mother take care of her two younger sisters after her father died. Although society considered her an adult at the age of 14, in her own heart, she did …
Sorn Family: Sophat Sorn (Middle), Tammy Hunt
Sorn Family: Sophat Sorn (Middle), Tammy Hunt
Cambodian American Stories
Sophat Sorn has a great love for his native country of Cambodia. On its soil, he learned great lessons in life and in loss. Sophat never wanted to leave Cambodia. However, he had no choice, as his family safety was threatened. On October 30th, 1991, Sophat and his family arrived in Petaluma, California to start a new life. Two weeks later, the family arrived in Stockton. Now, surrounded by his children, Sophat tells stories of his lost youth, homeland, friends and family left behind…
Pech Family: Kun Tuy (Middle), Lindsey Gaines
Pech Family: Kun Tuy (Middle), Lindsey Gaines
Cambodian American Stories
Imagine a 15-year-old girl forced to work in the fields, seven days a week, from five in the morning until seven at night. In the U.S., such a young woman would be going to school to learn about herself and about life’s opportunities. Kun Tuy dreamed of teaching dance. Instead, she was put to work by the Khmer Rouge in the rice fields of mountainous Cambodia. She received no money and little food for her labor. The Khmer Rouge ruled by suppression and killing in anticipation of establishing a Communist regime in Cambodia…
Sorn Family: Leakhena Sorn (Youth), Christina Tran
Sorn Family: Leakhena Sorn (Youth), Christina Tran
Cambodian American Stories
In October 1991, Leakhena Sorn was 13 years old when she immigrated to Stockton from Cambodia. Learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture often made her feel isolated during the transition to life in Stockton. Because of Leakhena’s arrival after the first major emigration from Cambodia, she enjoyed the support of an already established Cambodian community. Many Stockton Cambodians were already graduating from universities and had established careers as pharmacists, physicians or as business owners…
Nisby Family: James (Jim) Santana (Elder), Christopher Anderson
Nisby Family: James (Jim) Santana (Elder), Christopher Anderson
African American Stories
James Santana spent his teen years on a farm. His parents stressed self-sufficiency. He learned to cook, clean, iron, and even sew. Living on a farm generated chores most children did not have. James learned to take care of chickens, rabbits, ducks, and turkeys. Despite being the youngest of four siblings, his workload was never adjusted downward. During school breaks and summer vacations, he was expected to help his father, who was a carpenter…
Stallworth Family: Lewis Stallworth, Jr. (Middle), Andrew Gelber
Stallworth Family: Lewis Stallworth, Jr. (Middle), Andrew Gelber
African American Stories
African Americans like Lewis Stallworth Jr.’s family did not migrate to Stockton as a part of the California Gold Rush. Instead, they sought stability in changing times: a home, a job, a place to worship and a chance to raise a family. Lewis Jr. was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma in 1944. As the eldest child, his brothers and sisters admired him. The family moved to Stockton when Lewis was still a young child and he has lived here for the past 60 years…
Stallworth Family: Kimberly Hamlett (Youth), Brett Kaufman
Stallworth Family: Kimberly Hamlett (Youth), Brett Kaufman
African American Stories
As a child of the ’60s, a person might think Kimberly Hamlett would show signs of her rebellious generation. However, those who know this warm, kindhearted and Christian woman would say differently. Kimberly, born in 1965, was the first child born to her large family. She is the oldest of seven children, four girls and three boys. She was born in Walnut Creek, but grew up in Stockton and continues to live here…
Nisby Family: John Nisby (Middle), Christina Conrardy
Nisby Family: John Nisby (Middle), Christina Conrardy
African American Stories
Imagine the sun shining high overhead. There is nothing but you, the bright blue sky and the musky smell of hay. You focus on the task at hand—bucking hay. Your physical exertion, combined with the knowledge of hard work, meld into a great sense of satisfaction and sweaty accomplishment. For young John, this imagined scene was a daily occurrence…
Nisby Family: John Patrick Nisby, Jr. (Youth), Chris Bauer
Nisby Family: John Patrick Nisby, Jr. (Youth), Chris Bauer
African American Stories
Being the son of two high-achievers might be a burden for some people, but John Patrick Nisby says that he has had a “wonderful life.” His parents have played positive roles in his upbringing, introducing many factors into his life, which have inspired and motivated him...
Stallworth Family: Bishop Lewis Stallworth, Sr. (Elder), Brandon Stevens
Stallworth Family: Bishop Lewis Stallworth, Sr. (Elder), Brandon Stevens
African American Stories
Bishop L. Stallworth was born in Welty, Oklahoma in 1923. Not long after relocating to Boley, Oklahoma, Lewis attended school and graduated from high school in 1941. The following year, Lewis along with the rest of his family, joined similar migrants seeking new opportunities in California’s emerging defense industry. Lewis fondly remembers his military experiences that allowed him both to serve his country and to interact with different people. Although he was already of adult age when he left his home state, Lewis’s coming-of-age process was reinforced by his years of military service…