By: Ashmar Mandou

What is Mexican pride? It is a question that evokes profound emotions. A question that inspires multiple responses and one that highlights the diversity and complexity of its people. Even amid racial tensions across the country, Mexican and Mexican-Americans have never wavered in their pride for their culture and heritage. Mexican pride is respecting culture, vocalizing injustices, honoring roots, continuing traditions, influencing future generations, and most of all Mexican pride is about the people. This year for our Mexican Independence Day issue our photographer Tony Diaz captured families reuniting after nearly 30 years with the help of a program called Corazón de Plata in association with the Morelenses Federation. Approximately 30 individuals from the state of Morelos, Mexico travelled to Chicago last weekend to be reunited with family members. Family pride is at the root of what it means to be Mexican. On behalf of Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper, we wish the Mexican and Mexican-American community a happy Mexican Independence Day.

Photo Credit: Tony Diaz