The annual Mexican Independence Parade ran through Little Village on September 10 with a crowd consisting of thousands of people from all over the city.
Friends, families, and communities gathered to recognize one of the many prominent ethnic groups residing in the U.S. One of the communities that participated in the parade was the City Colleges of Chicago. Faculty members and students from Wilbur Wright, Malcolm X, Harold Washington, and Kennedy King passed out CCC merchandise and gave off positive vibes.
"It's important for City Colleges to get involved in neighborhood parades, because it shows our support for the neighborhoods. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods, and this is our way of marketing and showing what we do for the community." said Nathan Ward, Community Relations Liaison at Kennedy King & Malcolm X Colleges.
The parade had music, food, lots of energy, and a carnival. Mexican flags, men and children wearing traditional clothing, women wearing traditional dresses with elaborate headdresses, and musicians could be seen throughout the day. The streets were paved in red, green, and white. The crowd’s happiness was contagious.
"My parents are Mexican, so I've always wanted to participate in the parade. I'm representing my school as well,” expressed Stephanie Campos, a student from Malcolm X. When asked what she admired most about Latin American culture, Campos said, "We represent different things, and we all have different qualities, which is the best thing”
Similarly Felipe Pineda from Harold Washington stated, “We represent the culture itself and who we are in this country, the way we come together as one.”
Being part of an accepting community with a motive to be peaceful has an effect on all people involved. "I've come to this parade often, but it's the first time I've been with City Colleges, and it's great for us to be here, as it has been to be at all the parades this summer," said CCC Chancellor Juan Salgado.
Serving as an example for your ethnic group is a responsibility; whether that involves making history and becoming an icon or contributing to society. When your cultural identity is negatively discussed in nation-wide media, it is important to acknowledge the beauty it has to offer. The Mexican Independence Day Parade came just in time to allow U.S. citizens and immigrants to do so.