Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series on Our Immigration Experience was a grant-funded project of City Lore. Ramsey County Library joined selected other libraries across the country in presenting this six-part, monthly series of films and facilitated discussions about the American immigration experience. Becoming American was be hosted at the library in Shoreview.
Ramsey County Library presented this six-part program series in partnership with the Shoreview Human Rights Commission, League of Women Voters Roseville Area and Do Good Roseville. Additional funding for this program series was provided by the Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries.
This series was shown from November 2018 thru April 2019.
#1 – The Century of Immigration
Between 1820 and 1924, industrial expansion, the need for inexpensive labor, and mass migrations of peoples from around the world fueled unprecedented immigration of 40 million people to the United States that changed the country’s make-up, culture, and social institutions. This program includes screenings of New York: A Documentary Film (Episode 4, “The Power and the People”) and The Jewish Americans, followed by discussion moderated by Professor Dina Gavrilos.
#2 – Promise and Prejudice
This program explores the historic and current tension between Americans’ acceptance of immigrants, including the celebration of their own immigrant heritage, versus the periodic backlash prompted by concern about the economic and cultural effects of newcomers. This program includes a screening of Welcome to Shelbyville, followed by discussion moderated by Professor Dina Gavrilos.
#3 – Between Two Worlds: Identity and Acculturtion
This month’s program looks at how immigrants react and adjust to living in a new country and culture and how they bridge the divide between the traditions and values of their native countries. This evening’s screening of the first episode of The New Americans series “The Nigerians ” focuses on the Nwidors Nigerians who were forced to flee their home after the military executed their tribal leaders. Discussion afterwards will be moderated by Professor Olga Herrera.
#4 – Help Wanted? Immigration and Work
This program looks at the economic side of immigration chronicling the essential part immigrant labor has played in building America as well as the conflicted relationship American workers have had with immigrants. This screening of the first episode of the Destination America series “The Golden Door ” focuses on three groups’ histories of immigration to America looking at their reasons for emigrating where they settled and what kinds of work they contributed. Discussion afterwards will be moderated by Professor Olga Herrera.
#5 – Family and Community
This program explores the historic and current tension between Americans’ acceptance of immigrants, including the celebration of their own immigrant heritage, versus the periodic backlash prompted by concern about the economic and cultural effects of newcomers.
#6 – Immigration and Popular Culture
This program explores the historic and current tension between Americans’ acceptance of immigrants, including the celebration of their own immigrant heritage, versus the periodic backlash prompted by concern about the economic and cultural effects of newcomers.