Afterimages
Just above these words is an image reminiscent of a bygone, analog era. Within its juxtaposed layers, we see the founder of the Creative Artists Migrant Program Services (CAMPS) at the Geneseo Migrant Center, Sylvia Kelly standing alongside two migrant farm workers, their presence timeless and their struggles seamlessly fused with both the past and the present. The challenges the farm workers faced remain hauntingly intertwined with the present struggles of migrant farmers. Through the lens of this image split across two moments, we are reminded of the enduring fight for access to education, healthcare, advocacy, and the pursuit of a better life—issues that persist like the ghostly imprint captured in this powerful, double-exposed frame.
The contributions of migrant farm workers to the agricultural industry must not be overlooked or underestimated. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts significantly contribute to food production, ensuring that grocery shelves remain consistently stocked and our plates remain filled. As we recognize and appreciate their dedication and resilience, it remains important for state-funded or community-based organizations to step forward and provide comprehensive support systems for migrant workers. These organizations have the capability to play a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges faced by migrant workers.
The superimposed image prompts us to reflect on our relationship with the past, confront historical struggles, and consider our role in shaping a more equitable future. As we explore this story map, let us examine the experiences of migrant farm workers, consider our own connections to the past and present, and understand the relevance of social justice today. Additionally, this story map highlights valuable resources and information available for migrant farmers and their families in Western New York, particularly in the wake of the closure of the Geneseo Migrant Center.
In the remote landscapes of Western New York, the lives of migrant farmers unfolded with a unique blend of hardship, resilience, and hope. The three captivating pictures to the right offer a glimpse into the rich experiences of these individuals, reminding us that behind every laborer is a person with a story worth telling. Founded in 1968, The Geneseo Migrant Center stood as a beacon of hope and unwavering support for migrant farm workers and their families. At the helm of this educational center was Dr. Gloria Mattera, a transformative leader who understood the pressing needs of the migrant population and stepped up to attend to an array of issues over the years. What began as a migrant child-care education program expanded into a comprehensive resource for migrants that coordinated various programs on local, regional, statewide, and national levels.
Mattera's dedication expanded the center's activities to address pressing needs, including support for migrant teens' education, state-funded health and dental programs, vocational training for adult migrants, advocacy, and representation. Additionally, the center fostered cultural heritage preservation and expression through the sharing of traditions and the encouragement of artistic talents with Sylvia Kelly's CAMPS. Through the vision and commitment of Mattera and a network of dedicated individuals, the Geneseo Migrant Center worked to uplift and improve the lives of migrant farm workers, setting an exemplary standard for support centers nationwide.
The Geneseo Migrant Center, which closed in 2019, had a profound impact that continues to resonate as a lasting legacy. Today, there are a handful of state and community programs in Western New York ensure that its mission lives on, providing vital support and unwavering advocacy for migrant workers. These programs offer an extensive range of services, including comprehensive language classes, immigration services, educational support, and many different forms of advocacy. Guided by the values of compassion, justice, and dignity, these organizations tirelessly uphold the cause, ensuring that the essential aid for migrant farm workers not only endures but thrives. Through their dedicated efforts, they continue to empower individuals, foster community integration, and create a meaningful impact on the lives of migrant workers in the region.
The struggles faced by migrant farm workers persist to this day, serving as a poignant reminder of the essential yet consistently underappreciated role they play in our society. Their labor ensures that our grocery store shelves are stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, yet few of us truly grasp the entirety of their contribution. It is crucial that we reflect on the enduring fight for justice, dignity, and support that these individuals tirelessly undertake. To navigate the multifaceted struggles faced by migrant workers, we must actively engage in supporting state-funded and community-based organizations. By providing them with the necessary resources and unwavering assistance, we can help dismantle the barriers that impede progress and equality. In doing so, we contribute to the creation of a society that actively appreciates and uplifts the invaluable contributions of migrant farm workers. By acknowledging the immense value they bring to our communities and amplifying their voices, we challenge and reshape the narrative that has long disregarded their rights and contributions. In this collective effort, the inherent dignity of every migrant worker can be affirmed, and their stories, struggles, and aspirations can find their rightful place in the fabric of our society.
Works Consulted
-- Fox, Sally. “Geneseo Migrant Center Celebrates 50 Years.” Livingston County News, 13 Oct. 2018. Hyperlink here
-- Stevens, Phillip Jr. “The New Nomads: Art, Life, and Lore of Migrant Workers in New York State.” The Journal of the New York Folklore Society , 1987.
-- Sylvia Kelly and Migrant Workers Double Exposure Photo. Hyperlink here