Currently it’s estimated that 1 in every 8 Virginian was born outside of the US, how cool is that?
SY is excited to collaborate with the Library of Virginia for another special event, this one inspired by their current exhibition “New Virginians: 1619--2019 & Beyond.” We are seeking stories of the journeys that brought people here: what it meant to leave one place behind to come to a new one, and what had to be left behind in order to do so? What’s it like using English as a second or third language? How did you make a home, a job, a life here in this mid-atlantic state, and why did you choose the Commonwealth of all places? Is there a difference between what it means to be American versus what it means to be a Virginian?
If you are a second, third (fourth?) generation member of an immigrant family, what made your home, upbringing, experiences unique from others you observed around you? Honestly y’all, how does this whole “23 and Me” attempt to claim exotic/foreign ancestry really shake out adjacent to the sitting US president wanting to build a wall to keep out people who’d like to immigrate here now?

If you have a story you would like us to consider please email us a short synopsis and a brief personal bio at secretlyall@gmail.com. Since this is a special event, Storytellers will have up to 10 minutes to share their story. Please spread the word!!

We are happy to have Ardent Craft Ales in Scott’s Edition as our host! Doors will open at 5:30, stories at 7:30. $5 donation to be collected at the door. Haulin' Balls RVA food truck will be at the brewery as well so you can get dinner or snacks. Meanwhile, go check out the exhibition down at Library of Virginia and listen to the stories they’ve collected as well