"These packages contained stuff - things you take for granted when they're easily accessible to you, but gain new significance when they're no longer within reach."
"The music would cut across different genres; from calypso to milo jazz, highlife to hymns, palm-wine music to goombay."
"On reflection, it seemed to deepen their association with home. For one thing, it gave them a sense of continuity."
"Collect, store, and ship: this was one of the unspoken rules of our diaspora."
The article reflects on the experience of receiving care packages from Sierra Leone, filled with treasured items and music. These packages, often sent by friends or relatives, became significant conduits of cultural connection and continuity for immigrant families. Each package contained items ranging from everyday necessities to music that spanned various genres and artists, creating a deeper bond with their homeland. The music played a crucial role in keeping the cultural and social ties alive for the families, linking them back to their roots despite being far from home.
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