While the immigrant community constitutes 13.2% of the US population, they make up more than 20% of new and established business owners. Some believe this may be because those who immigrate here are highly motivated. Others point to the challenges that immigrants face such as finding work they qualify for on paper. This exhibit room celebrates both the entrepreneurs of yesterday (like Dalip Samra who wasn’t able to rent or purchase his own land due the policies of the time) and today (like Gabriela Álvarez who is using her business to not only honor her cultural and immigrant roots but also catalyze social change). The exhibit also lifts up the important work of organizations like La Cocina are helping immigrants to navigate the often challenging and confusing process of establishing a food-related business.
Check out Guadalupe’s story and her delicious recipe for Pork with Nopales and Red Chile.
Dalip Samra on Immigrant Voices
Follow the Samra family’s journey as they learn more about Mr. Samra’s story; exploring the National Archives and Records Administration’s San Francisco facility in San Bruno.
You can also learn more about Dalip Samra by viewing his profile on AIISF’s Immigrant Voices here.
First Lady Michelle Obama recognizes and thanks Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, Executive Chef Cris Comerford, and event consultant Bryan Rafanelli, during the State Dinner for President François Hollande of France on the South Lawn of the White House, Feb. 11, 2014. NARA.
La Cocina SF, Leticia Landa, Three Sisters Kitchen, Guadalupe Fuentes, Gabriela Alvarez, Hussein Siblini and New Yasmeen Bakery, Arab American National Museum, the family of Dalip Samra, and Cristeta Pasia Comerford