Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles

StoryCorps began in 2003 as the largest oral history project in our nation’s history, capturing the heart-to-heart conversations and daily experience of ordinary Americans. Since then, more than 15,000 people have recorded their stories that are now archived in the Library of Congress in Washington DC. On December 6, 2007 CHIRLA member Shirley Aldana Schwarz interviewed CHIRLA Executive Angelica Salas for Story Corp. Both women spoke of their painful coming-of-age as immigrants and their gradual awakening to their life’s worth and mission.

Shirley asked about the day Angelica received an honorary Doctorate degree from Occidental College last year; “It was a great day, because I tried really hard to try to let them [my parents] know that their sacrifice was worth it,” remarked Angelica, “All of that hard work, all of that pain, all that struggle, all the things they have gone without…I wanted them to know how much I appreciate and love them for it.” Angelica added, beginning to choke up. Angelica went on to discuss how the event was particularly memorable given the meaning that education has always had in her life; “I always loved school, I am a student of history,” Angelica said. “I loved reading about this country’s history and then later Latin American history. I learned that there have always groups of individuals who say you know what? The way I’m going to dedicate my life is going to be so that those who are marginalized and those people who are abused have a better opportunity, have a better chance. I want to make sure that in my lifetime I can say at least my energy was dedicated to this.”

To hear another segment of the interview that was played nationally December 17, 2007 on KCRW radio program All Things Considered check out;

http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/sy/sy071217angelica_salas_and_s.

To learn more about Story Corp check out:

http://www.storycorps.net.

CHIRLA will assist Story Corp in gathering additional immigrant stories in the coming year. Please let us know if you would like to share your story!