Two high school students in Kalamazoo, Mich., are fostering their cultural heritage through dance and creative classroom decorations. Cinthya Martinez, a member of El Concilio’s Folklorico dance group, expresses her desire to connect with her culture after overcoming language barriers in her family. Now, she teaches elementary students, hoping to inspire them to embrace their roots.
Yadhira Sandoval shares a similar passion, motivated by her mother’s traditions and her love for the vibrant costumes seen during her visits to Mexico. As the president of the Loy Norrix High School Latinx club, she has transformed the school’s hallways into colorful displays celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Both teens aim to instill a sense of pride and belonging in future generations, while El Concilio plans to honor Día de los Muertos with events on October 30th.
