In 2002, Russel Hiles began an unusual project: photographically
documenting the many ethnic groups that comprise the American
population. In the process he captured the culture and personality of
30 different groups as represented by their native dress, celebrations,
parades, festivals, and other activities. We Are One collects
more than 400 of the most stunning of these images.
The book is
organized into six historical periods, each focusing on specific ethnic
migrations to the New World and their impact on American society. These
range from Native Americans and Eskimos in the 1500s, through groups
like the Russians and Irish in the 1700s, to the postwar waves of
Cubans and Southeast Asians.
Edward James Olmos’s personal foreword
sets the tone for this visual testament of America as a magnificent
gathering of diverse and hard-working individuals who individually add
to the collective fabric of this great nation. The final chapter
features the author's reflections on diversity and unity.
