Pittsburgh’s diversity has grown remarkably in recent years, with an influx of new residents from various corners of the world contributing to the city’s rich cultural fabric. No longer just a “steel town,” Pittsburgh is now home to a vibrant population, bringing new perspectives and traditions.
Recently, the Greater Pittsburgh Region has welcomed newcomers from countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Burundi, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Myanmar, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela and others. Growth can be exciting.
However, as we know through our own personal experiences, change can be hard for many. As these changes unfold, we embrace these shifts and welcome our new neighbors, recognizing that diversity strengthens our communities and enriches our shared experiences.
Carlos M. Chueca moved to the Pittsburgh region from the state of Florida, but his family originally hails from the South American country of Peru. Chueca is a first-generation immigrant and currently serves as College and Career Readiness Program Manager at Latino Community Center, a nonprofit that serves diverse families across Allegheny County. In his role, he has a firsthand look at the challenges that immigrant families face when they move to Pittsburgh, specifically.
“One of the main challenges immigrant families face when they first arrive in Pittsburgh is the limited language access in our systems,” Chueca says. “Navigating daily tasks like communicating with teachers, or even simple activities like grocery shopping, can become difficult when communication is limited.”
For anyone who has ever traveled abroad and did not speak the language of that country, you can imagine the difficulties you would face if you had to live in that country full-time, unable to communicate all of your needs. This can be a daily struggle for many parents and their children right here in western Pennsylvania.
“In Pittsburgh, the other key problem is access to healthcare. Whether it is scheduling an appointment or knowing where to go, there is a huge gap yet to be covered,” Chueca says. As a mom, I personally know how frustrating it can be to be placed on hold with a pediatrician’s office when your child is sick and you’re seeking help. I cannot imagine how that feels when your native language does not match the receptionist’s language on the other end of the phone.
Our “City of Bridges” lacks a comprehensive train system, which makes traveling an additional significant challenge. Families are intimidated by the complexities of public transportation, making it hard to access different parts of the city.
Anyone who has ever moved away from home, even if it was only for four years of college, knows how comforting a home-cooked meal can be when you are homesick. The absence of being able to access familiar foods can heighten one’s feeling of displacement. “Food is deeply connected to culture and cherished memories,” says Chueca. “Finding or preparing traditional dishes can provide comfort, but access to these ingredients may be limited, making the adjustment even more challenging.” I can say for certain that my local Giant Eagle has a “Hispanic” section, and that is about as far as it goes for diverse grocery availability.
What can we teach our children about becoming kind, welcoming people? Chueca says that almost every Pittsburgh resident has an immigration story to tell, perhaps not their own but maybe a grandparent or great-grandparent. Sharing histories, stories and experiences can lead to more commonality between neighbors and to empathy. Not all immigrants from one region are the same, and it is important not to stereotype one group. For instance, native Spanish speakers come from different countries with different cultures and sometimes different dialects. Native Spanish speakers cannot be lumped into one group.
Teaching your children to be kind and accepting of cultures different from their own is vital. Children are more observant than we often give them credit for. They can easily pick up on their parents’ and caregivers’ attitudes. Here are some subtle ways to teach your children how to respect and learn about other cultures without being invasive:
• If appropriate, volunteer as a family at organizations that support immigrants or refugees. Volunteering offers a way to meet people from different backgrounds while contributing to your community. The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) is a division within Mayor Ed Gainey’s office that strives to foster meaningful connections within the city. (https://www.facebook.com/WelcomingPGH/) OIRA’s directory may be a great place to start to begin your volunteer search.
• Visit museums with exhibits on specific cultural histories. Carnegie Museums often have promotions for discounted admission if you check the Carnegie Museums website regularly.
• Cooking dishes from different cultures can be a fun way to learn. You can explore a recipe from a culture your child is curious about and learn the story behind the dish together.
• Encourage your child to read books independently or read books together, especially those written by immigrant authors or featuring immigrant characters.
• Attend local cultural festivals. These are usually designed to share traditions, music, food and art with the broader community, and they provide a welcoming space to learn.
Our immigrant community in the Greater Pittsburgh Region continues to expand, and with this growth, I hope our empathy and understanding can grow alongside it.
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.
