The American Dream: Through the Eyes of Two First-Generation East African Women in City Heights

The American Dream is defined as the ideal that every U.S. citizen is given an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. As an international mecca for resettlement, City Heights holds space for individuals from over 60 countries to envisage their American Dream.

While East African refugees represent nearly 40 percent of all refugees entering San Diego County, traditional East African culture is still rooted in patriarchy and dictates women remain in the home and take care of domestic responsibilities.

“We all have a purpose in this world,”

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