The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center and the Talbot County Free Library hosted “Nuestras Raíces (Our Roots)” book discussion and reception on Wednesday, October, 20.
“As many other places, we are a piece of the diversity that makes this country unique. We have families, that are a big presence in labor force and the schools,” said Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Victoria Gomez Lozano. “We can learn from each other when we listen to our voices. We are part of this community.”
From Left: Illustrator Jose Garcia Arrivillaga, Author Veronica Ranero Paz, Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman, Author Estela Vianey Ramirez Ulloa, Talbot County Vice-President Pete Lesher, and Interpreter Angeline Sturgis at the Nuestras Raíces event on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
An estimated 50 people in attendance had the opportunity to listen to the story of Veronica Ranero Paz and Estela Vianey Ramirez Ulloa. Both women wrote a book that recounts their life from their homeland to their journey to Easton, Maryland. The illustrations were made by their family members.
Speakers at the event also included Mayor Robert Willey and Talbot County Council Vice-President Pete Lesher. During the event, Mayor Willey discussed the importance of hearing the unique stories of Talbot County.
“It is most important that the Town government hears from all of its citizens regardless of race or ethnic background,” said Easton Mayor Robert Willey. “We try to make government as approachable as possible for everyone and invite comments from each and everyone. People need to know that Town officials are not everywhere and do not see everything, so their opinions count and they are most welcome.”
Interpreter Angeline Sturgis reads an excerpt from author’s Veronica Ranero Paz’s book “The Pieces of My Heart,” on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
Ranero Paz’s book, “The Pieces of My Heart,” tells the story of a woman who went through challenges and triumphs from her roots in Guatemala to Easton. Her faith and determination to keep moving forward kept her family together. Illustrations were created by her grandson José, which added an emotional touch to this compelling story.
Ramirez Ulloa’s book, “Because of Mommy Tomi,” is an ode to the most important woman in her life: her grandmother. This story tells the captivating bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Through ultimate sacrifice, her grandmother protected and raised her in urban Honduras. The author’s two daughters illustrated this story of affection and devotion that has been passed down through the family.
The inspiration to bring these stories to life came from Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Volunteer Angeline Sturgis. After moving to the Eastern Shore from New Jersey, Sturgis decided to volunteer with the organization after learning about their services to non-English speaking residents in the area.
Once she asked if there would be interest in hearing immigrant stories, both Lozano and Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Executive Director Matthew Peters were on board. During the process, they also received a small grant from the Talbot Arts Council.
“This is just one way to highlight the different voices in our community and make sure that we are helping to give a voice to the Hispanic/Latino population in Easton,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “When we hear about each other’s experiences, we open the door wider to being more inclusive and having a better understanding of other cultures.”
“The Pieces of My Heart,” and “Because of Mommy Tomi,” will be available for check-out at both branches of the Talbot County Free Library.
About Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center
The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center empowers people from different cultures to become successful and engaged members of our community. It is open to all community members and provides quality information and referral services for recent immigrants on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer assistance with Immigration, Family Support, Driver’s Licenses, Legal referrals, Employment, English (ESL) classes, consultancy, Medicaid/Insurance, Translation and Interpretation. Our Normal Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. For more information, call 1-877-772-9832.
About Talbot County Free Library
The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location that holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.
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