About
Rebecca was raised in the Mexican barrio of San Antonio, Texas during the last days of the Jim Crow era. She entered school prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when racist laws and practices still abounded. Growing up she heard many stories from family and friends about racism, discrimination, segregation and deportation that targeted Mexican Americans. Racially restrictive housing covenants divided San Antonio into different ethnic enclaves and the adverse effects still plague the city today. Unfortunately, cities and towns across the US suffer from similar histories. As a first-generation American, Rebecca struggled with her identity as the dominant Anglo culture clashed with her Mexican one. She led a bifurcated childhood, speaking Spanish at home and English at school. Although she continues to straddle the border of both cultures, she traveled on El Rio Triste and found her voice!
“My ancestors have navigated el Rio Triste, the River of Sadness for centuries. I too must now begin my journey, treading its infinite dark waters to drink of its pain and heartache, so I may find my voice.
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— Dr. Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi
What People Are Saying
As an oral historian Dr. Rebecca Karimi is doing important and timely work. She explores the intricacies of Mexican heritage and culture and racial experiences in the U.S. using her skillful storytelling as a radio producer to translate the poignancy of those stories to the world. -Dr. Kitty Oliver, “Race and Change” author, oral historian, media producer, and speaker www.kittyoliveronline.com
—Dr. Kitty Oliver -author, oral historian, media producer, and speaker
We were honored and thrilled to partner with you on this groundbreaking program. JHS has long desired to be inclusive with all communities and ethnicities in Jacksonville, and your superb program has opened a door into the Hispanic community that we've never before enjoyed. Thank you so very much!
—Kate A. Hallock, Jacksonville Historical Society
At one of our first meetings, Dr. Dominguez-Karimi spoke about her research (Jim Crow racism in the Mexican American community) with passion and clarity. Several people approached her after she spoke to say that her work on racism and social injustice was fascinating. Many noted they hadn’t heard much about Chicano history prior to her talk. At this point in our nation’s history, this topic is incredibly important. Many people do not have a strong understanding of Mexican-American historical relations. Dr. Karimi-Dominquez is uniquely qualified to lift the veil on this important topic.