An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Scholar J.P. Neri

Project Description

This interview, conducted with Western North Carolina resident Marilyn A., explores the unique journey and challenges of building community as an undocumented Latin American immigrant. Marilyn, a mother and housekeeper, has lived in the area for over a decade, and her legal status in the United States has significantly impacted many aspects of her life. Marilyn’s narrative centers on how she has faced and overcome many difficulties, most notably the birth and upbringing of her son. Her story is deeply rooted in the unique context of Appalachia’s perceived racial homogeneity and its impact on creating a sense of home in the North Carolina mountains.