Meet Craig Santoro, Video Producer for “Our Stories, Our Health”

I am not an immigrant, but like all Americans I live in a place that was built by immigrants and continues to be shaped by them. My neighborhood in West Philadelphia comprises a wonderful mix of Ethiopians, West Africans, Middle Easterners, Southeast Asians, native Philadelphians, and students from around the globe. This diversity is reflected in the businesses, groceries, restaurants, houses of worship, and languages heard every day on the streets. Each day is constant, if subtle, reminder of the importance of open immigration to a vibrant community.

While staying in the town of Isinya, Kenya, I became familiar with the tradition of giving a “push” to a guest. Instead of saying goodbye to guests at the front door, Kenyan hosts will often walk with them part of the way home. Sometimes a push can be just a few steps, and sometimes it can last for quite a distance. Pushing not only extends the visit, it continues the friendship beyond the visit, and serves as a nice bridge between get-togethers.

Topics: New Routes Leaders