“How do you stay connected to your culture?”

“Blessed are thou that we had our moms."

In this conversation, lifelong friends Maerie and Roberta honor the memories of their mothers, Mildred and Alberta, the deep bond between all four of them, and what amazing women they were. They also share the supportive role that Al-Anon played in all their lives.  “Had I not had your mom, I don’t know what path I would have taken.” - Meari “Blessed are thou that we had our moms and that we have each other.” - Roberta Hear Mearie and Roberta's full conversation in the StoryCorps Archive [https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/meari-avery-and-roberta-solimene/]. For more about StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct [https://www.ctpublic.org/listen/storycorps-ct]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Coming from 166 square miles

Sandra and Doreen both immigrated from Barbados to the U.S. in their youth and share two share very different experiences of coming to North America. Doreen also explains how she never felt confident putting roots down here. “I have to say I was initially very impressed. I  was a very curious child, so I was looking around, I was like, I love the lights. There was so much to like.” - Sandra  “Clearly, I’m still here. And so, at some point, I’m going to have to own this American self.” - Doreen Hear their full interview in the StoryCorps Archive [https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/sandra-taitt-eaddy-and-doreen-richardson/]. For more on StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct. [https://www.ctpublic.org/listen/storycorps-ct] W7Bv9J4JkH70C2XGbeFG See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Se Puede. It can be done.

Andrea Rapacz talks with Lydia Mele about her parent's love story and the impact Lydia's mother, Olga Mele, had on their family and the Hispanic community in the Hartford area. You'll hear about her early involvement in the San Juan Center and her tireless efforts to support the people in her community. Lydia told Andrea, “Mom inspired everyone to reach their highest potential, including me.” “Her main mission was to help people find jobs, get educated, and empower them to help themselves.” - Lydia Mele “He always said my mother was his salvation.” - Lydia Mele (referencing a story about her father) Hear the full interview in the StoryCorps Archive [https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/lydia-mele-and-andrea-rapacz/#transcript]. For more on StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct [https://www.ctpublic.org/listen/storycorps-ct]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

"I just told my mother!"

Lynn and Gerard have spent over four decades together. In this conversation, they recall the early days of their relationship and what their experiences were like coming out to their families. “I remember going home to my apartment building, and I walked in the front door and just screamed, ‘I just told my mother!’” - Gerard “I hope we have another forty years together.” - Lynn For more on StoryCorps CT visit, ctpublic.org/storycorpsct. [https://www.ctpublic.org/listen/storycorps-ct] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

“How do you stay connected to your culture?”

Tina grew up in Nicaragua and Ruby’s family is from Mexico. The two met in New Haven and shared their experiences growing up and how they developed deeper connections to their roots while living in the United States.  “The first thing I did was connect more with my family.” - Ruby “When I left, I realized how much I actually loved my culture and loved my country.” - Tina “I feel like New Haven is a good place to grow.” - Tina Hear their full interview in the StoryCorps Archive [https://archive.storycorps.org/interviews/maria-oyanguren-and-ruby-gonzalez-hernandez/]. For more on StoryCorps CT, visit ctpublic.org/storycorpsct. [https://www.ctpublic.org/listen/storycorps-ct] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.