The migrants created a new sense of belonging from "summary" of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
The migrants who ventured north or west out of the South during the Great Migration were seeking more than just a change in scenery. They were in search of a new life, one that offered opportunities and freedoms that were denied to them in the Jim Crow South. As they settled into their new homes in cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, they found themselves creating a new sense of belonging - a feeling of being part of something larger than themselves. In the face of discrimination and segregation, the migrants banded together to form tight-knit communities that provided support, companionship, and a sense of solidarity. They built churches, social clubs, and mutual aid societies that helped them navigate the challenges of urban life. By coming together in this way, the migrants were able to forge bonds that transcended geographical and cultural differences, creating a new kind of family that gave them a sense of belonging in their adopted cities. In their new communities, the migrants also found the space to express themselves and celebrate their culture in ways that had been suppressed in the South. They brought with them the music, food, and traditions of their homeland, infusing their new surroundings with the richness of their heritage. In doing so, they not only preserved their own sense of identity but also enriched the cultural tapestry of their new homes, creating a more vibrant and diverse society in the process. As they put down roots in their new cities, the migrants also began to invest in the future, both for themselves and for their children. They worked hard, saved their money, and sent their kids to school, determined to give them a better life than they had known. In this way, they forged a new sense of belonging not just for themselves but for future generations, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society. Through their resilience, resourcefulness, and sense of community, the migrants of the Great Migration transformed the cities they settled in and redefined what it meant to belong. They showed that belonging is not just about where you come from but about the connections you forge and the contributions you make to your community. In creating a new sense of belonging for themselves, they helped to create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all.
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