A Spirit of Generosity; Imigrants from Sicily

My Grandpa Charles (Carlos Geraci) and Grandma Nina (Barone) Jerris.

This photo was taken in the 1930s in Buffalo, NY. Born in the Palermo region of Sicily around the 1880s, they came to America on a ship from Naples in the early 1890s. Their families arranged for their marriage once they were of age, a testament to the tradition and values of their time.

Grandpa’s family were farmers, while Grandma’s family was respected in the community as barbers, a profession that held great esteem. Barbers not only cut hair but also provided essential services like tooth extraction back in the day.

They worked tirelessly to improve their children's lives. From the 1920s to 1964, they ran a Mama and Papa grocery store in a German neighborhood on the east side of Buffalo. There, they carved out a life as Sicilians in a different cultural landscape.

Despite facing prejudice from some neighbors, with Grandma recalling the need to “eat a lot of dirt” due to the derogatory treatment, they remained steadfast. During the Great Depression, our grandparents extended their compassion to neighbors by providing food to customers in need, including members of the Black community who had begun to settle in their neighborhood in search of work.

These immigrants exemplified the spirit of generosity, ensuring that food was shared with fellow Americans, irrespective of their religion or heritage.

They were blessed with ten children, and I proudly stand as a 2nd generation American. To me, this embodies the true essence of America: giving and supporting one another through difficult times and helping others who seek a better life.