An outdoor exhibit in San Mateo County showcases immigrant stories, celebrating diversity and personal journeys during Immigrant Heritage Month.
An outdoor photo-and-story exhibit celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month opened on Friday outside 500 County Center in San Mateo County. The event was organized by the County’s Office of Community Affairs in collaboration with Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, aiming to highlight the personal histories of the county’s diverse population.
The installation features displays from a wide array of local residents with roots in countries such as India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Lebanon, Samoa, Mexico, Colombia, the Philippines, and many others. This focus on global backgrounds reflects the experiences of the large South Asian and broader immigrant diaspora communities residing in the region.
Among those featured in the exhibit is San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputy Ebenizar Gibson, who immigrated to the United States from Liberia in 2014 as a 17-year-old high school senior. Leaving his family and home behind was a challenging transition, but Gibson visited the installation to connect with the shared narratives on display.
“Seeing other people put their stories out here, that’s not necessarily my story, but it does fit some of the narratives I’ve been reading through these pictures,” Gibson said, pausing to read a contributor’s tribute to her mother, “who supported my childhood by spending her workday bent over a sewing machine.”
“I think it’s inspiring,” Gibson added. “It’s nice knowing that the county appreciates diversity and the stories that every one of us have.”
The text displays within the exhibit highlight various immigrant experiences. One contributor writes about becoming her parents’ “American Dream.” Another recalls “flavors and family traditions,” while a third reflects on being “the living result of everything they left, built and carried forward.”
The display also features Deandra Lee, an exhibit co-organizer who chose to contribute her own personal background to the collection. Lee emphasized the importance of storytelling in fostering community connections.
“The stories humanize us and just make all of us feel more connected,” Lee said. “Instead of strangers in the county, we can feel a little more comfortable understanding that we’re all coming from different parts of the world.”
Lee expressed her hope that visitors will take a few moments to engage with the installation and find reflections of their own experiences in the stories of others. The exhibit will remain open to the public in the lobby of 500 County Center through Friday, July 3, during standard business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This initiative highlights the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences that contribute to the cultural fabric of San Mateo County, fostering understanding and appreciation among its residents.
According to India Currents, the exhibit serves as a reminder of the resilience and diversity that immigrants bring to the community.