UNA-USA Pasadena hosted its third Coffee Talk of the year on March 5th at the Western Justice Center, welcoming guests for an evening of storytelling with the chapter Board Secretary Beverly Goldin. Goldin, an educator, artist, and media arts teacher, shared her short documentary The Gypsy Princess.
The Gypsy Princess is a modern fairy tale that traces the life of a woman raised in the Bronx and her daughter who gradually uncovers long-hidden family stories. Through a blend of home movies, archival footage, and personal narration, Goldin explores themes of heritage and belonging. The documentary invites viewers to explore how spoken and unspoken family narratives shape our sense of identity.
The film sparked a meaningful conversation about the role of storytelling in understanding family history. Younger members of the UNA-Pasadena chapter were introduced to the use of home videos and personal archives as storytelling tools, demonstrating how art preserves heritage. For all members, the presentation highlighted the power of personal storytelling to connect with individuals across cultures and experiences, values that align closely with the mission of the United Nations Association to foster understanding and global citizenship. By sharing her family’s story, Goldin demonstrated how deeply personal narratives can spark broader reflection about identity and belonging.
Reflection Questions
• What stories from your own family history have shaped who you are today?
• What memories/traditions would you want to preserve for future generations?
• How can art and storytelling help us better understand our own identities and connect with others?
~ Lauren Poplock, UNA Pasadena Intern
