Manmay LaKay Magazine Issue 2 April 2018 | Page 74

From a tropical
bliss to a
torrential
blizzard 
BY MONICA VICTOR
I
magine leaving a beautiful
tropical island with clear blue
sky and sunny days and landing 
into a country with white
blowing snow, low visibility and cold
wintry nights. That certainly was the
case for Manmay LaKay Claudette
Ubekha Charles and her sister the day
they landed in Brooklyn, New York 40
years ago.
The year was 1978 and the purpose of
their trip was to reunite with their
parents who had migrated there a year
earlier to pursue economic and
educational opportunities.
The transition was not an easy one and
proved challenging from day one.  As
they endeavored to acclimate to a new
culture, a new way of life and a new
school, Ubekha and her sister
encountered many challenges and
numerous culture shocks along the
way.
From being fascinated by the
beautifully lit supermarket isles and
riding the train instead of walking, to
getting frostbites and fighting bullies at
school.
Here's Bekha's Immigrant Tales story.