A busy Sunday at The Grove Shopping Center in Los Angeles, California
The Heart of Community: Embracing Our Latin-American Roots
By Alejandra Sepulveda Elshaer
“We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.”
This quote from Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist, highlights the profound importance of building strong communities that enhance our lives and the lives of our children.
My Journey
When I moved to the United States from Mexico in 2018, I had to start over far from my family. As a single mom of two young boys, managing everything alone was very challenging, especially when I needed help or had to work while my kids were sick. American culture often emphasizes individualism and career focus, but my struggles as a parent made me realize the critical importance of community and mutual support. Through these challenges, I came to understand how essential it is to build a strong, supportive network for both my own well-being and my children’s growth.
Connecting with local masjid groups and other Hispanic-Latino community members has been transformative. It has helped me feel less isolated and more supported. During times of homesickness, building these new relationships has given me strength and a sense of belonging.
I’ve kept my Latin-American background alive at home through cooking dishes like birria, caldos, mole, enchiladas, tinga, and other Mexican favorites. I also maintain my cultural connection by visiting family in Mexico, speaking Spanish, and sharing Mexican music and traditions. However, building a community with other Latin Americans has been the real game changer in teaching my kids about our heritage. I want to create a strong community not only for myself but also for my children.
Why Community is Important
There are countless reasons why community is vital, but I would like to focus on key aspects that resonate deeply with me: resilience, confidence, and embracing our identity.
Strength and Resilience
Being part of a strong community significantly enhances our ability to face challenges and difficulties. A community provides the support and understanding we need, boosting our confidence and helping us handle difficulties with greater resilience. I often think of my grandparents, who migrated from their small farming village in Mexico to a larger city to improve the family’s quality of life and provide better education for their children. Their move, driven by immense sacrifice and courage, continues to inspire me daily. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from understanding our roots and the struggles of our ancestors. This perspective motivates me to keep going, to become a better mother, reinforcing the belief that if my grandparents could overcome their challenges, so could I. It reminds me that resilience is part of my heritage, guiding me through my own trials.
Keeping Our Culture Alive
In today’s globalized world, especially in the era of social media, preserving our cultural traditions is more crucial than ever. Our cultural identity enriches our lives and helps maintain the diversity that makes our society unique (and makes ourselves unique too!). Celebrating our Latin-American heritage ensures that our traditions are remembered and valued. Personally, I really enjoy attending gatherings with people from different cultures, learning about their traditions, and comparing them to my own. I love sharing my culture, and it’s always fun to find someone who speaks a bit of Spanish! These interactions are not only enjoyable but also foster appreciation and respect for various cultures, contributing to a richer, more inclusive world.
Understanding Our Identity to Empower Our Children
To help our children feel confident and secure, it is essential to understand and embrace our cultural background. By providing them with a strong sense of identity through our traditions and values, we enable them to discuss their Latin-American heritage with pride and foster curiosity and respect toward their friend’s cultures. This understanding helps our children develop a strong sense of self-worth and pride in their culture. This is important for their growth and helps build a more connected and respectful society.
How Community Affects Our Lives and Our Parenting
People who engage in community activities experience a higher level of happiness and a greater sense of purpose. 1 Being active in the community provides meaningful connections and makes life more fulfilling. For parents, being involved in a community helps children develop social skills, gain exposure to diverse perspectives, and feel a sense of belonging.
Also, studies have shown that strong social connections are linked to reduced rates of depression and anxiety. 2 Good relationships offer emotional support, which helps us manage stress and improve mental health. Having a sense of community leads to greater life satisfaction. For parenting, having a strong community provides valuable support networks, helping manage the stress of parenthood and fostering a supportive environment for children to thrive.
Building and being part of a community, especially as a Latino immigrant in the United States, is much more than creating connections; it’s about deeply enhancing the quality of life for ourselves and our children. It involves creating a network of support, understanding, and shared values that can help us in difficult times and celebrate with us during moments of joy and happiness. By understanding ourselves, embracing our Latin-American cultural traditions, and nurturing strong community ties, we enrich our lives and create a positive legacy for future generations.
Connecting with others and embracing my Latin-American heritage has been a meaningful journey. It has strengthened my own sense of identity and provided a foundation for my children. Growing up in a supportive and culturally-rich environment ensures they develop a strong sense of belonging and pride in their heritage. A community not only offers encouragement but also serves as a model of how we can contribute to making the world a better place. By investing in our community, we build resilience, kindness, and cultural richness that will benefit our children and future generations.
There’s only so much you can do at home to help your kids understand their roots and heritage, like cooking traditional foods, reading books, teaching them about history, being a role model for values, and celebrating holidays. But the most important thing I’ve found is building a strong community. After all, Latin-American culture is not just about food and music; at its heart, it’s about community.
Family day in nature at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
End Notes
1 Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection - The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
2 Ibid
(Alejandra Sepulveda Elshaer is a Mexican-American Muslim content creator, IT product manager, and mother of two. She is passionate about modest fashion, faith, and personal growth, focusing on empowering the Latino Muslim convert community. Alejandra shares her journey of balancing her tech career and motherhood while embracing her new identity as a Muslim woman and keeping her Hispanic roots. Alejandra currently resides in Northern Virginia with her children and their cat. Follow her on Instagram @sepulale for inspiring faith, style, and self-care content.
https://www.soundvision.com/article/the-heart-of-community-embracing-our-latin-american-roots )
