Stephanie Alvarez Ewens // Spring 08
A Photographic Essay:
"Growing up Congolese American"
A Photographic Essay:
"Growing up Congolese American"
Annette Selsa, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), grows up learning all about American culture, while her family tries to keep her grounded in her Congolese roots.
After school on a spring April afternoon, Annette Selsa, 8 years old, watches "Hannah Montana" in the family's two bedroom apartment in Portland, Maine. Her parents, Clemence Nyirarerwa and Soloman Gasana, along with her sister and aunt are recent refugees from the DRC. "Annette doesn't remember African culture because she moved away from our country when she was four" says her mother. Escaping civil war, the family, along with many other members of their tribe, the Banyamulenge, began moving to Maine ten years ago. They are the largest population of Congolese living in an American city and come here because they say Portland, "is a gentle place to begin life in America". Maine, a relatively poor state and 96% white, is a welcome home for them. They do not need to fear for their lives anymore here, and the people are very welcoming to African immigrants. Annette says she wants to be a doctor one day, or maybe a teacher. She is growing up as an American child, performing tasks most adults would do for their children. As Annette grows, her relatives, members of the tribal community, and her religious elders help her remember the country she left behind. She may not remember much of Africa, but knows that she can grow up in safety, go to school, play with her friends and that America is full of promise.