Recognizing my roots wasn’t always cut and dried.
Growing up, I knew that my heritage stemmed deeply from immigrant parents who established their new home in the United States some years ago. Living as a first-generation Mexican American, I was exposed to entirely different influences… music, norms, gestures. I even developed an informal communication style with Spanglish.
I often found myself adjusting to a delicate balance between two worlds, two cultures, two languages and two lifestyles–ni de aquí, ni de allá. From neither here nor there.
As we enter the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), I think it is important to recognize the differences, similarities and the connections that are ingrained within our traditions, cultures and day-to-day routines.
Acknowledging My Roots
My parents grew up in poverty. They both came from rural areas within the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, where traditions and values are deeply embedded in morality and virtue. With no opportunity to pursue education beyond a lower secondary level, their only options for progress were to do farm work or to pursue a new life elsewhere.
At the ripe ages of 24 and 19 my father and mother made the journey toward Greeley, Colorado, with my one-year-old big brother in tow. There they established their new home. Four years later, my parents gave birth to their second child—me!
Little Kids, Big Responsibility
My brother and I were to become guides to help my parents live in a new world. With an emphasis on mastering English at very young ages, we were given responsibilities involving translation, interpretation and tech support, as well as learning emergency protocols in the event of deportation.
These are lessons that many children of immigrants have to learn. We became navigators for a new world, facing new challenges that many of our parents were unprepared for.
Though my parents were aware of the marginalization, prejudice and inequalities that Latine people face in other countries, it took a while for me to realize how prevalent these issues were among my peers, friends and community.
Becoming First-Generation
Growing up, I had been under the impression that we were all simply “American.” After all, we all listened to the same music, consumed the same pop-culture and ate the same foods, right?
The term “first-generation” didn’t land in my vocabulary until my freshman year of high school, right when I began to look at higher education as an option for my future. Though the phrase was initially used in reference to my student status for college applications, I soon realized that this title extended beyond the classroom.
Learning that I was a first-generation Mexican American really helped placed things into perspective. I wasn’t just the first person from my family to apply and attend college; I was the first to experience an American lifestyle, the first to be bilingual, the first to experience what it meant to fight against prejudice and systemic racism.
This stage in my life was transformational, when my understanding of self and my identity began to envelop my sense of being. This realization stemmed from a trip to Mexico, where I was exposed to an entirely different way of living.
My First Trip to Mexico
After 15 years in the US, my parents and older brother were finally able to acquire US residency, allowing them to return at last to visit the home they once knew. For me, it was a brand-new world that showed me a life I was close to experiencing—spending time in a rural town with 27,000 inhabitants and a simple way of life.
Visiting Tlaltenango de Sánchez Román for the first time was eye opening. Greeting and meeting family for the first time, seeing firsthand where my parents grew up and experiencing the annual feria (festival) really helped me come to the realization that my experience as a Mexican is entirely different than those who couldn’t leave or chose to stay.
It was also here that I realized the beautiful reality of living between two cultures. My experience didn’t fit neatly into either a traditional American or Mexican perspective. Instead, it became a blend of cultures and influences from two neighboring countries.
Though I will never truly know what it would have been like to have grown up in Mexico, I saw value in what is shared—language, food, music, morals. And even though I grew up 1,559 miles away, the traditions and values were not that different. These especially became apparent every year during September 16, Mexican Independence Day.
A Weekend of Togetherness
Fortunately, growing up in Greeley also exposed me to various celebrations of culture and pride, some of which were religious in nature. The September 16 weekend always gave reason to gather for a variety of community events and carne asadas (barbeques). That weekend is historically booked for major boxing or UFC fights, giving family and friends an additional reason to get together.
More than 200 years ago, Mexico fought for its independence against Spain, beginning with the legendary cry of Miguel Hidalgo. This fighting spirit has become deeply entrenched in our very way of being, choosing modern idols like professional boxer Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez who personify this fierce resilience.
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day
September 16 weekends in Greeley became a staple in celebrating Mexican heritage, welcoming various events over the years. Many were hosted by local churches or other community organizers, usually taking place at Island Grove Regional Park.
Language was no longer a barrier in these spaces where English, Spanish and even Spanglish were normalized. Our places of birth became an afterthought. Rather than focusing on our differences, we became bonded in our interests and traditions, old or new.
I vividly remember seeing how multigenerational the events were. Recent immigrants, first-, second- and third-generation Mexican Americans and people from various backgrounds shared meals, interest in lowriders, and participated in baile folklorico by learning traditional dances with one another. And of course, who could forget the delicious tacos and elote (street corn).
As I grow older, my sense of pride in my heritage continues to grow. Today, we see numerous events that showcase the diverse backgrounds of Latin America, forged by those who are passionate about representation in authentic, fun and inspirational ways.
Ways to Celebrate Latine Heritage at FRCC
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than just celebrations. There are many ways for you to show up and embrace a community that has played a major role in contemporary society.
As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution here at FRCC, we are proud to host a variety of events that embrace and honor the cultures that make our Colorado communities so vibrant.
Celebrate and Learn Anywhere
Beyond FRCC, showing up—and going on small side quests that embrace culture, community, food and celebrations—are great ways to be involved!
- Listen to new genres of music that stem from Hispanic and Latin American countries.
- Support a small local business. Whether that is a coffee shop, panadería (bakery), nevería (ice cream shop), lonchera (diner, snack bar or food truck) or a mercadito (small local market). I personally recommend La Plaza Colorado if you’re looking for good eats!
- Watch films that celebrate Latine culture! From cult classics to recent movies, there are many films that highlight the creativity that stems from being Hispanic or Latine. Coco is always a great watch!
- Attend local celebrations across the Front Range!
No matter where or how you show up, those within the Latine community will appreciate your involvement and see you as someone who truly cares. Let’s continue to build bridges and celebrate our differences, similarities and everything in between.
