E Pluribus Unum
This photo by an unknown photographer is dated 1957. My grandparents were already here by then. They came to Ellis Island around the 1890’s from Poland and Italy. The United States became known as a melting pot, proponents of multiculturalism, which gives us our rich foundation and love of humanity.
I am grateful and feel fortunate to be part of a county that embraces diversity. It is a sobering thought to realize that I only exit because of America’s acceptance of immigrants during the 1800’s.
We celebrate diversity with the words “E Pluribus Unum.” This is one of our nation’s motto and is on our coins and bills. It means “One out of Many.” It references that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages, and ancestries we have emerged a single people and nation illustrating the concept of the melting pot.
Ellis Island became know as the “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” for many.
Ellis Island is now a national park and this comes from their website:
How far would you travel to find a better life? What if the journey took weeks under difficult conditions? If you answered “Whatever it takes,” you echo the feelings of the 12 million immigrants who passed through these now quiet halls from 1892 to 1954. Ellis Island afforded them the opportunity to attain the American dream for themselves and their descendants.
The print titled: “Young Immigrants, New York” is available to purchase at Duncan Miller Gallery.