My grandmom or “mom mom,” Frances Cordua’s family was from the fishing village of Carini near Palermo, Sicily. Her family settled in South Philadelphia at 12th and Catharine streets. Although they spoke Italian, they wanted us to assimilate, so they didn’t pass the language on.

But the work ethic – that, they did! The idea of coming here to America to make a better life, and the hardship and discrimination that goes along with that, forged in them strength and resilience. I learned from my father Peter how to work hard with heart, serve others, appreciate things, and not take anything for granted.