Merideth, Caroline

Caroline Merideth
Austin,  TX

I am inspired by Build Hope Not Walls because my great-grandmother was an immigrant from Norway. She traveled with her best friend from Norway to Oregon to start a new life. My great-grandmother taught my mom to knit when she was seven. My mom taught me to knit when I was 13. I would not be here today if my great-grandmother was banned from immigrating to the United States. I was listening to NPR yesterday and journalist E.J. Dione said “American citizenship has always been based on a commitment to ideas. It didn’t matter where you were from. It didn’t matter what the color of your skin was…” This idea resonates with me. People (including my great-grandmother) come to the United States because they are hoping for freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is living in a space without fear, with freedom to create and pursue one’s art. I hope my brick shines a little happiness in your life tonight.