Local Hispanic of the Month
¡Aplauda Hampton Roads!
by Idalia Rosa-Martinez
July 2007
Ms. Marcia Murdock expresses herself with fervor when she says, “be bilingual, and be successful.” And she lives out her belief impressing upon others that progress in work and school will happen when you learn the language of the land where you reside. Born and schooled in the Republic of Panama, Marcia Murdock came to Norfolk, VA twenty years ago and raised a son with the pride of bilingualism and cultural diversity. As proof of her beliefs she, now in her fifties, continues to aim for success at Strayer University. A Business Administration degree is her goal. ¡Aplauda Hampton Roads! highlights Marcia Murdock for her years of dedicated volunteerism and cultural sharing in Hampton Roads. So, grab a cup of café caliente and share an interview with this exceptional Latin lady.
Current Profession:
Executive Assistant at Booz Allen Hamilton Consulting Firm
Favorite Hispanic personality:
Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, Célia Cruz (RIP)
Who was your personal mentor or role model? Why?
My mother is my mentor and role model, because she is the best of the best. She is a wonderful caring angel with a hearth of gold, who is always there for everyone in need. She herself at seventy-five continues to help orphans and retired and disabled seniors in Panamá. In September of 2006, mom was one of seven women recognized by the Episcopalian Church of Panamá for her volunteer and humanitarian efforts.
What personal motivation influenced your community involvement?
I guess my motivation just comes as something natural to do and from examples from mom. I think we all have the obligation to give, share, and help others and make this world a better place to live. I started sharing about my Panamanian roots after membership in the Multicultural Alliance of Virginia ten years ago. My trips began to elementary and intermediate schools first sharing about dances, music, cultural arts and crafts, and the history and geography of Panama. I’ve done this all free of charge in outside places like Tidewater Community College too. All of it is meant to educate the community about cultural diversity of Hispanic in the Hampton Roads Community. So many people believe everything they see in Spanish is Mexican and they need to learn that there are people in the area from Spain, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Venezuela and from European origins that speak Spanish. The local citizens need to be informed about the variations and to open their eyes to the similarities Hispanic culture shares with other cultures. Everyone has received my programs positively and with openness, especial in my city of Norfolk.
Organization affiliations in Hampton Roads?
I am a member of the Multicultural Alliance of Virginia, and the Hispanic Community Dialogue Group. Over the years I have volunteered for Volunteer Hampton Roads and REACH, a group that helps children learn how to read. I am also a member of the American Cancer Society.
Personal cultural experience when arrived in Hampton Roads?
I think Hampton Roads is an area filled with diverse cultures. However arriving to Norfolk, just like in any city around the world, it is natural to feel strange until you get to know the people and the area. At first I found people were looking at me differently because of my appearance (skin color). I also had an experience not ever experience before when I looked for work. I was approached and dismissed from a temporary assignment because people said I had an “accent” when I spoke English. But you understand what I’m saying, right? However, outside of these first experiences I have found the people of Hampton Roads to be hospitable. I’ll never forget one time when I ran for a bus with my sister and the bus driver stopped the bus for us to catch it! I didn’t have a similar response to a similar situation in New York.
Compare a difference from how you were raised and how you raised your son in Hampton Roads?
My son has been raised the same way that I was raised in Panamá. Both countries share similar problems, like robbery and crime. I won’t pretend Panama is perfect. However I will say that there are differences in general day-to-day life here compared to Panama. I do find that Panamá has warmth in the people that sometimes I don’t find here.
Do your children speak Spanish fluently?
Yes, my son speaks Spanish fluently
What is your favorite cultural dish?
I love to eat Panamanian Tamales, empanadas, arroz con pollo and many other foods.
How well do you think the United States in general, but Hampton Roads in particular, have done in creating opportunities and accommodating Spanish-speaking people?
Many opportunities have been created for Spanish speaking people. Bank of America and Wachovia Bank offer services in Spanish. There are newspapers in Spanish: Tidewater Hispanic, and El Eco. Throughout Hampton Roads there are many Hispanic restaurants.
What influence do you think the Hispanic population has had on the Hampton Roads community?
The Hispanic population has contributed to the economy, not only in the Hampton Roads area, but also throughout the US Continental. This is the reason many companies have Spanish ads available and Spanish speaking Customer Service Representatives and request for Spanish speaking employees.
Of what life achievements are you most proud?
I am happy to the make a difference in the community, and also the opportunity to go back to school and get my degree.
How do you see yourself giving back to the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads?
I will continue giving time to the Hampton Roads Community through my cultural sharing, volunteerism, as well as singing in the choir of my church. These days you’ll find me coordinating a large Panamanian Folkloric event for August 16-18 2007 at the Roper Performance Arts Center of Norfolk. We plan to bring in many Panamanian indigenous acts. If you want more information look at the website set up especially for the event at PANFOLKVA.ORG.
Words of wisdom for the Hispanic population of Hampton Roads:
Yes! I say learn to read, write and speak English, it will contribute to your success and provide you with better communication skills with the mainstream citizens. “Be bilingual, be successful.”
Full of encouragement and positive outcomes for Marcia Murdock and the Hispanic community of Hampton Roads, ¡Aplauda Hampton Roads! concluded this interview with tropical refreshments like old friends. Until next time we say ¡Adiós!
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