We consider every story unique and very welcome - whether you hail from ancestors who were passengers on the Mayflower; welcomed at Ellis Island; count themselves as Native Americans; or endured the chains and violence of forced migration from slavery; fled poverty, war, pogroms, or survived the Holocaust; walked across the border, swam or arrived by boat or plane; span generations and hundreds of years, or are more recent arrivals - or any combination of the above. 

America is one of the most unique nations in the world, defined by the fact that almost all of us came here from somewhere else and helped build a great nation, full of promise for all our people. The personal narratives show that we cannot judge others by their background, heritage or the color of their skin, and that opportunity is a key to American success. These stories also show us that despite our diversity and our differences, at the end of the day, we have something in common - we are all Americans.

Simply answer the question - what is your American Story? Perhaps your history in some way intertwines with the American experience or involves many different threads, but we hope to collect many of the personal stories which, woven together, enrich our national narrative. We want to hear from everyone we can reach.

Click on each story square to read their fascinating American stories:

Share YOUR American Story!

Please email any photo attachments to thecommongood@thecommongood.net, subject line “My American Story: [NAME]”.