Meet Suzy Barbosa and Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month
Suzy grew up in the lush Amazonian region of northern Brazil. Her immigrant journey is filled with rich experiences and powerful lessons.
As a Brazilian immigrant from South America, Suzy's life was surrounded by vibrant communities along the riverbanks, where neighbors from Peru and Venezuela mingled, and everyone spoke 'portunhol'—a blend of Portuguese and Spanish.
In middle school, Suzy had a pivotal moment with her sociology teacher, Professor Joaquim, who introduced her to the profound concepts of diversity and identity. These discussions sparked deep conversations within her family, leading her to explore her roots and embrace her heritage.
Growing up near Manaus, a hub of cultural exchange, Suzy encountered teachers, researchers, missionaries, and tourists from around the world. These interactions weren’t always easy, but they enriched her understanding of different cultures and strengthened her sense of identity.
Suzy's sense of being a migrant deepened when she moved within Brazil and later traveled to Europe, particularly Italy. These experiences taught her to embrace her differences and discover new facets of her identity. Reading works by Paulo Freire, Paulo Coelho, and Rigoberta Menchú, and learning new languages, empowered her to speak proudly about her heritage.
St. Louis has been Suzy’s home for over 15 years now. Here, she found a welcoming Latino community that helped her reconnect with her roots. Growing up, her kitchen was always a bustling hub of family gatherings, where everyone was welcome, and there was always room for one more at the table.
As we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month, here are some key takeaways from Suzy's journey:
Explore Cultures: No culture is perfect, but exploring them teaches us new things.
Discover and Rediscover Your Identity: Talk to family members about your ancestors.
Learn Another Language: It fosters understanding and connects you with others on a deeper level.
Be Grateful for Your Heritage: Embrace your family's history and be proud of where you come from.
A heartfelt thank you to Suzy for sharing her story with us. Her journey reminds us of the strength and resilience of immigrant women. Together, we are changing the narrative and rising with our stories.
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