Cesar Gonzalez, 25, Garfield Ridge: “To me, Mexican Independence Day commemorates the beginning of our “Mexican” identity. Deeply rooted by hundreds of years of history, from pre-Columbian history to revolutionary Mexico, our identity connects us to our past and allows us to understand the struggles of the people that came before us.”

Michelle Zepeda, 26, Portage Park: “The Mexican Independence is a reminder of my strong cultural roots. We are a nation of people who persevered, and will never give up without a fight. It fills me with pride.”

Jackie Glowinski, 25, Oak Park: “Well I don’t know much about Mexican Independence. What I do know is that it is NOT what we celebrate on el Cinco de Mayo. Mexican independence is about Mexico’s victory over colonialism; which in turn allowed Mexico to create its own vibrant culture full if various traditions.”

Mercedes Zapata, 24, Pilsen: “Mexican Independence Day holds significance to me because it reminds me of the beautiful strength of our people and what we can accomplish when called upon to take action. My grandmother was named Dolores and she took me to Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato to be in the square, to feel the ground of rebellion. It shaped me. I strongly believe that attending El Grito in downtown Chicago awakened my pride of being Mexican American. The loud chant in unison could awaken anyone’s pride.”

Ravi Grover, 35, Chicago: “Mexico’s Independence is significant in being one of the first Global South countries to break the shackles of colonialism. Their fight for self-determination inspired revolutionaries in Africa and Asia – many who later ended imperial rule in their own homelands. It’s not a coincidence that Mexico City attracted visitors from places as far away as India – so much history of revolutionary spirit was influential on the rest of the world.”