The Kansas Immigrants: A series of fifty-six articles on the ethnic heritage of Kansas

Abstract

Many Kansans today are rediscovering their personal and ethnic heritage. In music, art, literature, oral history and genealogy, these individuals are seeking to understand how their heritage has helped shape their lives. The Kansas Immigrants provides glimpses into the experiences of many of the groups that have settled this state. Together, these articles present a comprehensive view of immigration to the state. The Kansas Immigrants addresses a number of issues: the efforts of immigrants to assimilate to the larger society while attempting to maintain their own ethnic identity, the occasional violence in the meeting of different cultures in formerly homogeneous communities, and the problem of understanding different family values and lifestyles from one culture to another. It also examines the difficulties in preserving ethnic heritage; the oppression, segregation, and exploitation of ethnic minorities; the contributions of ethnic groups to the arts and cuisine; and the role of the ethnic church or organization in nurturing its members.