My Narrative 

Mahmoud Andrade Ibrahim

I was raised in a family with two older sisters and parents that came from large, loving families. It was a melting pot of cultures and traditions, as my father's family hailed from the Islands of Cape Verde, while my mother's family has roots in Arkansas.

My father's side of the family were proud West African- Cape Verdeans who migrated to America as free individuals. They were a close-knit group, consisting of 10 children - six brothers and three sisters. My grandparents, Miguel and Isabella, embodied the essence of old-world charm. Grandpa Miguel had worked on a whaling ship before settling down in Rhode Island with Grandma Isabella. He found solace in the shipbuilding towns of New England due to the burgeoning Cape Verdean community there.

They purchased a humble home in Woonsocket, Rhode Island where they lived for over 50 years. The sense of community that flourished within their neighborhood was truly remarkable. One of my dad's brothers even became a Police Captain in Woonsocket while another achieved state boxing champion status with the Golden Gloves organization. My father himself pursued his passion for scientific research and became a lab technician at New York Medical College where his name even got published in esteemed medical journals.

On my mother's side, there were also stories abound about resilience and determination. Her family consisted mainly of her five brothers and one sister. Growing up without her mother after she passed away when Mom was only 12 years old forced her to take on immense responsibilities at such a young age - becoming the caretaker for her siblings while juggling household chores like cooking and cleaning.

My great-grandfather on my mother's side named Coatney Walls had been born into slavery but ultimately ended up owning land by the time he passed away and was buried alongside his wife Ms. Mollie who hailed from Arkansas as well. Their son Porter - fondly known as 'Big Daddy' to us - served valiantly in World War I. In a time when racial discrimination was rampant, 'Big Daddy' retired at the early age of 40 and ventured into building contracting, thanks to his membership in the Prince Hall Mason fraternal organization. He excelled as an independent businessman, constructing houses that he would then sell, while also owning a liquor store and a pool hall. His economic independence remained intact throughout his life until he passed away at the remarkable age of 102.

Many of my uncles on my mother's side followed in 'Big Daddy's' footsteps by serving the American Armed forces and fighting in World War II or the Korean War before establishing themselves as successful contractors. The legacy of resilience and hard work runs deep within our family.

Growing up amidst this rich tapestry of heritage, I was constantly surrounded by stories that highlighted not only the challenges faced by our ancestors but also their incredible accomplishments. Their journeys from West Africa to America or the tribulations faced in Arkansas were marked with strength and determination, ultimately leading to prosperous lives for future generations.

As I reflect on my upbringing today, it is no wonder that storytelling has become such an integral part of who I am. The tales passed down through generations have ignited my imagination and instilled within me a desire to connect with others through creative writing - sharing stories that transcend borders and cultures.

In doing so, I hope to honor the vibrant histories woven into my family tree while also inspiring others to appreciate their own unique heritage. For it is through these stories that we truly understand where we come from - shaping our identities and guiding us towards creating a brighter future filled with unity and understanding for all.