Out of Many, One: Portraits of Immigrants
President George W. Bush’s book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants features 43 painted portraits and stories of immigrants to the United States – including our co-founder, Gilbert Tuhabonye. He is included alongside several other illustrious immigrants, from Madeleine Albright to Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Bush family’s housekeeper, Paula Rendón.
Gilbert Tuhabonye on the TODAY show with Jenna Bush Hager.
In a recent interview with the Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith, Mr. Bush highlighted some common themes among all the immigrant’s stories: the sacrifices they make to come to the United States, and the ways, once here, in which they help others. Immigrants’ contributions are often unheralded, Mr. Bush said, but they make enormous differences in their communities.
That is certainly the case for Gilbert and the Gazelle Foundation.
In a recent interview with Spectrum News’, Lakisha Lemons Gilbert said what it means to be the center picture on the front cover, and said he was blown away by the president’s talent and honored to be acknowledged by the former commander-in-chief.
“It’s been a great feeling to see my photo, my portrait right in the gallery in the Bush library, standing among 43. It takes me back to my journey of where I came from and what I’ve been through to be recognized by the president,” said Tuhabonye.
Gilbert Tuhabonye and President Bush after a private 45 minute visit on April 6, 2021 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center (Bush Center). Thereafter, they went over to the Exhibit where President Bush unveiled the portrait of Gilbert for him to see for the first time. Gilbert’s wife Triphine and daughter Grace were with him for that part of the day.
“Our immigrant heritage has enriched America’s history. It continues to shape our society. Each generation of Americans—of immigrants—brings a renewal to our national character and adds vitality to our culture. Newcomers have a special way of appreciating the opportunities of America, and when they seize those opportunities, our whole nation benefits.
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Gilbert Tuhabonye with his family at his naturalization ceremony in 2010. Photograph by Tom McConnell, Emphatic Creative.
Growing up in Burundi, Gilbert experienced first-hand the limiting effects of a lack of basic necessities. Each day, before and after school, it was his job to collect water for the family. This meant traveling up to 4 miles each day – for water that was not clean. Tragedy struck in 1993, when the centuries-old conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes erupted into civil war and Gilbert, by then an 11th grader and national championship runner, narrowly escaped a massacre at his school. Gilbert tells his harrowing story of survival in his book This Voice in My Heart. Now, as a beloved coach and role model, his focus is on giving back his community – both locally and globally.
Despite immense suffering in his home country, Gilbert’s indomitable spirit proves that our common humanity is great than the sum of the world’s injustices. He, our dynamic board of directors, staff, and hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly to give back to the communities most in need, so that they too can experience how clean water changes everything.
George W. Bush’s book and how to order
The book draws its title from the motto on the US Seal. Alongside the portraits, it will feature accompanying essays about the individuals written by Mr. Bush.
Book event and ordering information is available on the George W. Bush Presidential Center website.
If you pre-order on Amazon, please consider selecting the Gazelle Foundation on Amazon Smile.