Refugee High

Refugee High

Adult nonfiction
In 2017 newly sworn in president Donald Trump people across this
nation gathered to protest his travel reatrictions and the nativist
agenda they represented. Elly Fishman was in the crowd at Chicago's
O'Hare Airport. Her mind was full of questions.
"...What does this political shift mean for those refugees and
immigrants who made it off the plane?What kind of America will they
inhabit? What kind of America will they help build? And how will
America take shape around them?"
Unlike most of us, as a journalist and editor, Fishman had the
sources and clout to pursue her questions. She chose Sullivan High
(the Chicago school with the most refugee students) as her site of
interest. She spent years getting to know the school and students
intimately.
Refugee High: Coming Of Age In America is the fruit of her due
dilligence. It follows four students over the course of the 2017
school year. She spent time with students and families in their homes
and other spaces they frequented as well as school and interviewed
students and parents.
Fishman balances the uniqueness and universality of the
students' experiences. They had to deal with some uniquely horrific
challenges. A close friend of Belenge (Congo) is shot, probably by
gang members. Alejandro awaits the court date that may result in his
deportation to almost certain death in Guatamala. Shahina was taken
to Atlanta by a man ten years older and barely escaped parent arranged
marriage to him. But they're also kids for whom fashion, make up,
popular music, and video games are important.
If you're anything like me what will grab you the most is
portraits of teens' and parents' pre Chicago lives. The story of
Tobias (Belenge's father) is totally heartbreaking. Can you imagine
losing all five of your first children before the age of six and then
your first wife?
Despite the tragedies and challenges there are also joys and
triumphs. Fishman ends the narrative on a note of hope.
"No matter what shape America takes in the coming years,
Sullivan will continue to carry forward this country's long tradition
of welcoming newcomers. The story of Sullivan School reflects a
better America, one that offers sanctuary and second chances to those
who need them most."
On a purrrsonal note, Eugene and the meteorologists predicted really
treacherous travel for Wednesday. I took their prognostications with
a grain of salt. During the morning at least hardly anything fell
from the sky. My trip to the Black Bear Exchange was very fruitful.
In addition to great food and drink I scored two pairs of well made
(and pricey) shoes for the summer. BBE had a special Christmas gift
for clients. (Jules)
Tuna! My compliments to the corporation! (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the BBE crew for all the amazing
work they do.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway


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