The Matriarch

Known in the Cape Verde Islands as Nha Gaida Martina, Mom grew up at a time when the Islands were still a colony of Portugal. It also was a time when the Islands were severely neglected by Portugal. It was very tough times for Cape Verdeans who were not of the upper classes or born to wealthy families. There was very little in the way of available schooling for children of Cape Verde in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Mom was born in 1893 and, somehow, managed, maybe, 2 years of schooling before being forced to leave school because dictates, in those days, required that she assist with Family chores. One of the chores Mom had to perform, on a daily basis from the age of 7, was to retrieve fresh water. So, from the age 7 up until her teenage years and beyond, Mom had to tote a 5 gallon can of water, on her head and balanced with one or both arms, up hills over cobblestone & dirt paths to home. This particular chore was done several time a day. Such was the life of young Cape Verdean girls in those days. Formal education, in those days, was reserved for young male Family members who were deemed to be preparing to be the main financial support for their families. As it were, I heard Mom say, many times, that toting the water was one of her more easier tasks. I have often wondered how many of my Nieces today could have handled such a task.

In her teenage years Mom received a 'conditional' proposal of marriage from Manuel Brito and accepted with 'conditions of her own'. Mr. Brito's condition was that she leave behind her first born child with close family relatives (her own Mom & Sister). The child's name was Mateus Dos Santos. Mom's conditions included the demand that she be granted the right to, on a regular basis, send money to Mateus for his support. Mr. Brito agreed and so they came to the United States, in the early 1900's-around the time of World War I. From this marriage and in order: Antonio, Serafina, Fermino, Tony, Frankie, Charlie, Given and Joe Britto were born. Antonio, the first born of the Britto's drowned in the 'Keyhole' when the Family lived at the old Ice House on Bowman & South Ridge Street in Port Chester, NY.

When Mr. Britto returned to Cape Verde, Mom married my Dad, Joao Joaquim Santos and had two more boys-Joaquim 'Jackie' and myself -John.  Dad insisted upon naming his boys with his two given names.

All of the Britto & Santos children were raised to never forget their Cape Verdean Heritage. As such, Cape Verdean social events, Cape Verdean Cuisine and the Cape Verdean Krioulo language governed our lives. In this area, it can, with certainty, be said that all of Mom's children-that were born in the U. S., failed Mom with respect to passing on what they had learned. Thus the reason for my constant e-mails to our remaining Family. From the first day that each of us began to be gainfully employed-we were required to contribute a portion of our pay checks to house hold expenses and to the support of Mateus, who had 10 children-I guess, to try to out do Mom.

Another requirement was that we all complete the requirements to receive at least a High School diploma. Mom, realizing the effect a lack of education had on her life, insisted upon it & received much support from both Mr. Britto and my Dad. To stay home sick from school we had to be almost near death.

Mom, You & Dad, charged me with the responsibility of passing on the 'Cape Verdean ways' by labeling me as your 'poder '- 'the one who is able'. I have tried my best and am still trying to pass on as much as I can. It is sometimes frustrating, but, mostly it is very rewarding. You would be very Proud of the accomplishments of your Grandchildren and, hopefully, you will be even more proud of the accomplishments of your Great Grandchildren and beyond. I have told them many things that my Brothers & Sister would wish I had not told them. It is my feeling that, for them to know who they are, they have know where they have been, and that is what I hope to help them find out. It is my hope that all your hard work and suffering would not have been in vain.

Your ever loving 'Poder' and last Son,

John (Junior)