Coming HOME: Watering the Roots

“I think when I think of heritage, I look at myself and I think about how if things didn’t happen at the exact moment it happened, I probably wouldn’t be here today. It took thousands of coincidences or thousands of people meeting when they met for me to be here today.”

In our seventh portrait of the “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” digital series, we are honored to embark on an inspiring journey alongside Moumita Roy, born in Bangladesh but raised in the Bronx, NY. Moumita’s narrative delves into her journey of nurturing her inner child, reflecting on her heritage while navigating the complexities of self-discovery and healing.

“It makes me feel like it’s a blessing to be here. And I know my ancestors, they fought wars to keep their land, to preserve their language. And that is a testament to resilience. And I think that’s what I carry with me. Coming to the Bronx was not an easy transition. But I’m here. And I think I have shown resilience throughout my whole life.”

What is your artifact of heritage?

“It’s a gold bracelet and it has my name engraved on it in Bengali, which is my native language. My dad gave it to me when I was six months.

I just wear it every day because it reminds me to serve my inner child that she is still there. It's a good reminder to have because sometimes. I’m so worried about the future that I forget that she’s still there and she needs my attention.”

What have you learned since the pandemic?

“I wish to remember that we should always treat each other like humans. I think the pandemic was the first time in my entire life where I didn’t feel like a cog in the machine, where I didn’t feel like I had to live up to everyone’s expectations of me. And I had to play the role I was assigned and whatever situation I’m in, whether it be school or home, and it was the first time I feel like the world gave me permission to just be who I am.

However, things are changing. I feel like we’re trying, we’re forgetting that we’ve lived through a pandemic. And personally, I feel like, I’m starting to feel like a cog in the machine again. And so not just me, but I want everyone to remember that. Let’s treat each other like humans more. We don’t have to always explain ourselves to others, we don’t always have to play a role.”

What is your artifact of healing?

“So I brought my first journal. I started this journal, in the pandemic when I was going through heartbreak, and it has a lot of back and forth a lot of dialogue between myself. And it was the first artifact of my healing journey. It was the first time ever, I put my thoughts into words. And it was simply for me and it wasn’t for an assignment or for someone else it was for my own survey. And I look back at it now. And I know that healing works because I smile. This has a lot of mixed emotions in it. But you know, now it’s more like a memory memory.”

What is your letter of hope?

So hi, love.

I don’t know exactly what our life looks like right now. But I know that we’re always trying our best and our best looks different every day. Life doesn’t work out the way we want it to. But it always does work out in our favor.

Take it easy on yourself. Remember that failure never meant that you’re not good enough. You’re always enough. Failure is redirection. It may feel like rejection, but that’s okay. Remember Mom always says there is always a lesson behind everything. We get to where we want to be by being In situations we don’t want to be in, embrace the unknown. I know that’s scary.

San Diego used to be unknown place, but it’s the place where we found ourselves. It’s where we embraced healing and met some of the best people. I hope you’ll remember that we don’t always have to do it alone. It’s nice to be in your solitude but asking for help and support when you need it is where is where our work lies. Let people love you the way you love them.

Future me, whenever you are, I know you’re taking on the world with a smile. I know you’re living your purpose. I love you. And I hope when you’re reading this, you’re remembering that every version of us allowed us to be here. The good and the bad. Accept them and love them and always cherish them.”

How do you remember and honor your inner child?

As the nation approaches its historic 250th anniversary in 2026, we embark on a profound digital storytelling journey — “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” Our mission is clear: to help people heal through remembrance. We’re dedicated to capturing 250 heartfelt stories by 250, documenting the vibrant tapestry of America’s past, present, and future. In this remarkable project, we celebrate the power of stories. Each narrative is a thread woven into the fabric of our shared history, reminding us of our resilience, our diversity, and our unity. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of heritage, healing, and hope. Join us on this transformative journey as we pave the road to America’s 250th anniversary, one story at a time. Follow us @conversationsbycourage on Instagram and TikTok.For information about Coming HOME: Restorying U.S., please contact Conversations By Courage.🌠🏡✨ #ComingHOMEseries #HealingThroughRemembrance #America250 #HeritageStories #HopefulFuture #DigitalStorytelling

Team Credits:
Featured Curator: Moumita Roy
Michelle Kamau, M.A, Co-Creator, Photographer
David Brose, Co-Creator, Videographer
Victiashea (Tasha) Matthews Co-Creator, Facilitator