Voices of African Immigrants in Kentucky

Migration, Identity, and Transnationality

Jack Wilson author Angene Wilson author Francis Musoni author Iddah Otieno author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:The University Press of Kentucky

Published:20th Jan '20

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Voices of African Immigrants in Kentucky cover

Following historical and theoretical overview of African immigration, the heart of this book is based on oral history interviews with forty-seven of the more than twenty-two thousand Africa-born immigrants in Kentucky. From a former ambassador from Gambia, a pharmacist from South Africa, a restaurant owner from Guinea, to a certified nursing assistant from the Democratic Republic of Congo -- every immigrant has a unique and complex story of their life experiences and the decisions that led them to emigrate to the United States. The compelling narratives reveal why and how the immigrants came to the Bluegrass state -- whether it was coming voluntarily as a student or forced because of war -- and how they connect with and contribute to their home countries as well as to the US. The immigrants describe their challenges -- language, loneliness, cultural differences, credentials for employment, ignorance towards Africa, and racism -- and positive experiences such as education, job opportunities, and helpful people. One chapter focuses on family -- including interviews with the second generations -- and how the immigrants identify themselves.

ISBN: 9780813178608

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

226 pages