What Others Are Saying About Nashville's New Americans

Nashville’s New Americans serves as an introduction to Nashville’s many cultures, but it’s also a gentle call to engage with our immigrant neighbors, especially in the current political climate. That could mean learning Spanish, trying the Laotian restaurant in Columbia or finally going to see that folk artist from Canada. Sellmeyer makes it clear that these opportunities abound, and we are all the richer for seeking them out. Read the full review from Caroline Siegrist.

Here is what Nashville community leaders have to say about Sheri Sellmeyer's new book, Nashville's New Americans:

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“Sheri Sellmeyer has held a mirror in front of the city, and turned a spotlight on our future—this really is Nashville.”
—Bill Purcell, former mayor of Nashville, 1999–2007
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“When talking about ‘the immigration problem,’ I often contend that if we understood the circumstances and the push and pull forces that draw people to the United States—and if we could put a name with the face—we would not be as polarized as we are today. Sheri Lea Sellmeyer does a superb job at highlighting the journeys of a wide array of folks who have made Nashville home and who have come from all corners of the world—from Canada to Siberia. Her stories cover a diverse group of foreign-born Nashville residents who work and live in all corners of our community, from academia to frontline workers. She portrays the multitude of conditions and circumstances that have landed immigrants here, always highlighting the humanity of their paths. One thing is for sure, Nashville is a better place because they are all here. You will be inspired by their stories and gain a deep understanding of the vibrancy that all of them contribute to our Nashville community.”
—José González, Jack C. Massey Chair of Entrepreneurship and associate professor of entrepreneurship and management, Belmont University
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“While not everyone has the luxury to travel the globe, each of us has the ability to get to know our neighbors. This book is a window into the lives of immigrants who have brought their incredibly diverse histories, experiences, and stories to our community, giving us the opportunity to truly travel the world, perhaps without even leaving our own backyard.”
—Sarah Lingo, executive director, Sister Cities of Nashville 
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“Too often, in political rhetoric, immigrants are used as speaking points rather than being recognized for their true humanity. With Nashville’s New Americans, individual stories allow us to move beyond labels to see people as more than their immigration status.”
—Tessa Lemos Del Pino, executive director, Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors