By Hoodo Kayd Abdillahi
Mr. Crescenzi yearly hunting started in the 60’s.
Introduction
On October 25, 2024, I conducted an interview with an Italian immigrant named Agostino Crescenzi. The purpose of this individual assignment was to create an oral history and document a personal archive by recording Agostino’s experiences of immigration and discovering his new home. My methods involved conducting a thorough interview to compile intricate narratives of his journey, which allowed me to explore Italian heritage and examine the significant role volunteering plays in transforming lives. Through analyzing, interpreting, and reflecting on this interview, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of crafting a personal narrative in the realm of volunteering and engaging in endeavours that align with one’s aspirations.This approach not only enriched my understanding but also underscored the importance of establishing a personal legacy in volunteering and pursuing one’s passions.
A photo of Mr. Crescenzi In 1972, when he moved back to Vanezulela with his family after eighteen years.
Interview
In this interview, Mr. Crescenzi shared their perspectives on immigrating to Canada and their experiences during and after the war. Mr. Crescenzi talked about the differences in living in Canada compared to Italy and Venezuela, highlighting the stability and sense of security in Canada. Mr. Crescenzi also discussed his involvement in sports as a volunteer, emphasizing the importance of instilling values in children and contributing to their athletic endeavours. Overall, the interviews shed light on the individuals’ personal journeys and their deep connections to sports and community involvement.
The video recording of the interview can be accessed below.
An image of Mr. Crescenzi, the 1979 Jr. B. Sutherland rophy winners.
Summary of Interview
https://www.italianheritage.ca/files/2024/11/Summary-of-Interview-By-Hoodo-Kayd-Abdillahi-1.pdf
Family photo of Mr. Crescenzi in 1962 at a wedding.
Analysis
The interview provided rich insights into their immigration experiences to Canada, noting similarities and differences in living conditions compared to Italy and Venezuela. Mr. Crescenzi emphasized the greater stability and security found in Canada. His daughter Alida, reflected on the lasting impact of WWII on their family and mentioned her father’s role as a hockey trainer, indicating his significant community involvement. The interviewees expressed a strong commitment to finding stability in Canada, with a focus on imparting important values of contributing to the community with volunteering. This aligns with themes from our course readings about migration patterns post-WWII, highlighting the pursuit of economic opportunities and community integration. “Italians attracted to Canada due to good economic conditions, job prospects, and low demographic concentration (Sgro, 2023)”. Although some aspects discussed coincide with our course materials, including stable economic prospects as a primary attraction for immigrants, the personal stories revealed unique perspectives on cultural adaptation and generational shifts in values. This interview enriched my understanding of immigrant experiences and complement academic analyses with personal anecdotes that reflect both continuity and change across generations.
Mr.Crescenzi daughters wedding in 1986.
Reflection
I gained priceless knowledge from my experience as an interviewer that has changed the way I view my position in society. The knowledge I acquired from interviewing Agostino Crescenzi went beyond simply recording his experiences as an immigrant; it made me realize how crucial personal stories, volunteer work, and community ties are in influencing people’s lives. My interviewing abilities have improved as a result of this project, which has helped me to better explore different cultures and personal narratives. Academically, the interview highlighted the human side of migration and adaptation while also reaffirming theoretical ideas covered in class. For me, this experience has increased my respect for the various histories and perspectives that contribute to our society and made me consider how I can help communities develop empathy and understanding.
Throughout the project, my initial expectations changed over the course of the project. The stories Mr. Crescenzi and his daughter Alida told me gave me a fresh viewpoint on the struggles and victories of immigrants, illuminating the tenacity and will that propel people to look for security and a sense of belonging in a foreign land. My perspective on post-World War II migration patterns was completely changed by this first-hand experience with personal narratives, which highlighted the complexity of cultural assimilation and the long-lasting effects of historical occurrences on family dynamics and values. The project’s path developed naturally, leading me to delve deeper into the themes of identity, community, and the ability of storytelling to heal social divisions.
Gallery
Bibliography
All images have been approved for sharing from the private collectivors of Agostino Crescenzi and Alida Tassone.
Sgro, V. (2023). Italian Canadian Heritage: Migration and Welfare Support from the Second Post-War Period Onwards. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/pdfs/978-1-5275-9242-1-sample.pdf
Huds Beauty. “Interview Mr.A, Crescenzi.” YouTube, 5 Nov. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppAjlpdwRMg.
Hoodo, Kayd Abdillahi. “Agostino Crescenzi, The Skates Sharperner.” In Italian Communities in Canada: Heritage, Cultural and Ethnographic Studies, suprv. Teresa Russo. University of Guelph, 11 November 2024, Guelph, https://www.italianheritage.ca/?p=11479&preview=true . Italian-Canadian Narratives Showcase (ICNS), Sandra Parmegianni.