Cape Verdean Harmony in Heritage Initiative (CVHIH)
Different Beginnings, Same Heritage
“Welcome to the CVHIH—note from Michiko (Founder)”
Dear Friend:
Welcome to the CVHIH “living room” space. Sit here (xinta li) and relax for a moment. You’ll notice Kriolu words popping up here and there—yes, we’re doing this intentionally. Why? It’s our way of keeping the language alive, sharing it naturally, and inviting everyone to join in—even if it’s just one word (un palavra) at a time (Si bu sta prendi Inglês, es li ta sirbi pa bo tanbe).
Most of our content is in English because we acknowledge that we are based in an Englishspeaking country (pais) and not everyone—even of Cape Verdean decent—speaks Kriolu. But make no mistake (xxx), our commitment to Cape Verdean language (lingua) and culture (kultura) is as strong as ever. Every bilingual book (livru) we offer is a step toward bringing us together in understanding and unity, while embracing the language.
Whether you’re Cape Verdean by birth, heritage (eransia), or pure curiosity, these books are made for anyone who wants to celebrate (selebra), learn (prendi), and share the language and cultural stories.
Explore the journey with us, and let’s honor tradition, create dialogue, and bring more Kriolu into this virtual space and in our hearts.
Nu sta djunta mon (we are together),
Michiko
Pronunciation key for welcome word letters:
- ▪ xinta li — (SHEEN-ta lee) - “sit here”
- un palavra — (OON pah-LAH-vra) - “one word”
- pais — (PAH-eess) - “country”
- lingua — (LEENG-wah) - “language”
- kultura — (Kool-TOO-rah) “culture”
- livru — (LEEV-roo) “book”
- eransia — (eh-rahn-SEE-ah) “heritage”
- selebra — (seh-LEH-brah) “celebrate”
- prendi — (PREHN-dee) “learn”
- Nu sta djunta mon — (Noo stah JOON-ta mon)
- “we are together” (“djunta” = join, “mon” = hand)
- Si bu sta ta prendi Inglês, es li ta sirbi pa bo tanbe
(See boo stah tah PREHN-dee een-GLESH, es lee tah SEER-bee pah boh TAHN-beh)
“If you are learning English, this serves you too.”
Harmony in Heritage: The Dedication of Manuel and Felizarda Pina Recreational Park in Marion, Massachusetts
In celebrating harmony in heritage, the community of Marion, Massachusetts, honored the remarkable legacy of the Pina family with the dedication and renaming of the former Point Road Playground as the Manuel and Felizarda Pina Recreational Park.
Once the site of the Point Road School—a school for generations of Cape VerdeanAmerican children—this land now stands as a living symbol of resilience, unity, and Cape Verdean-American contribution. The park’s rededication brings together history, memory, and hope for the future.
The story began in 1905, when Manuel and Felizarda Pina left Cape Verde for new opportunities in Massachusetts. Through hard work and vision, they acquired land, raised seven sons (six of whom served bravely in World War II), and built a foundation for their offspring to thrive.
In 1930, the couple sold a portion of their property to the town, supporting education and community development. The transformation of this land from a family homestead to a beloved neighborhood school, and now to a community playground and park, shows both a personal and collective journey where each chapter honors the dreams and sacrifices of Cape Verdean families.
With gratitude and admiration, we congratulate the Pina family for their enduring contributions. Manuel and Felizarda Pina Recreational Park stands not only as recreational space but as a tribute to a family whose legacy will continue to inspire harmony, remembrance, and belonging for everyone in Marion and beyond.