Reimagining Us

Reimagining Us is an educational and art project that delves into the rich tapestry of cultural heritage in the United States through the universal language of food. Originally launched as "Reimagining Immigration and Immigrants," this project has evolved to highlight how traditional family recipes, intimate memories, and sensory experiences of food connect us to our roots, communities, and one another.

Since its inception, Reimagining Us has built an online platform and self-funded the production of six featured stories. These narratives combine video, articles, photography, and recipes, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of individuals who contribute to the cultural mosaic of the United States. Through this multimedia storytelling, the project emphasizes how shared culinary traditions are not just meals but vital threads that bind us together.

As we move forward, Reimagining Us is expanding its scope with a series of new educational initiatives. These include hosting “Talks” on cultural heritage with prominent voices from the arts and academia and publishing an artful cookbook that features recipes from our interviews, illustrated by talented artists.

At the heart of Reimagining Us is a commitment to preserving cultural traditions through artistic expression and multimedia storytelling. By documenting and sharing these stories, we aim to foster a deeper understanding, unity, and appreciation for the diverse cultures that have shaped the American identity.

Project Support
Reimagining Us sustains its mission through foundation grants, corporate gifts, and in-kind support from like-minded agencies and individuals who share our dedication to cultural preservation.

Project History
Reimagining Us began with a fundraiser event on February 26th, 2019, in New York City. The event featured the art exhibition Words of an (INK)migrant, showcasing a series of black-and-white ink paintings by Chris Yong-Garcia that reflected on the immigrant experience. Initially, the project focused on in-person interviews; however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary pause in these activities. The project was officially relaunched in October 2023 with an event at Contento restaurant in Manhattan.