Fresno Hispanics reminisce on their family support during Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage has been celebrated in the United States for over 50 years, but the festivities have evolved. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week, and in 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the celebration, making it a month-long event.

In Fresno, the celebrations consist of community gatherings with cultural food, music and dancing. The students at Fresno State even get to celebrate with live band and dance performances and free Hispanic goodies.

As Fresno State is a Hispanic Serving Institution, there are a lot of first-generation students, most of whom are working to break those generational barriers and excel in higher education.

In Hispanic culture, it’s traditional to be very involved with family and maintain a strong support system within the community.

Adrianna Kierscher, a first-generation student and single mom, says that without her family, a lot of what she has accomplished so far would not have been possible.

“The one thing about Hispanic culture is [that] our family is our foundation,” Kierscher said.

She also emphasized that her family provided outstanding help and support, especially in terms of her children.

“We have to have each other’s back, and they have literally helped me through everything by babysitting and picking up and yeah, it really takes a village,” Kierscher said.

For other Fresno State students, like Genesis Garcia, their path looks a little different.

Garcia was born in the United States, but moved to Mexico for a few years before moving back to the U.S. She now possesses dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States, because it makes it easier on her and her family, who consistently travel between the two.

Her upbringing was difficult as she grew up in poverty, but she says she is proud of where she comes from, regardless. Garcia recalls her childhood living situations, but with a smile, as her family has overcome those challenges.

“We lived in a house with about four other families, and it was very difficult,” Garcia said. “I remember we all used to pitch in for food for the week and sometimes there wasn’t enough.”

Garcia also says that the way Hispanics celebrate is truly beautiful.

“I would say the parties… that’s one thing that Mexicans will always do,” Garcia said.

Hispanic Heritage Month will continue through Oct. 15.