Hispanic Heritage Month, 2018 by Valley Publishing

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Hispanic Heritage

September 12, 2018

Hispanic Catholic traditions still endure

B y T eresa L. B enns

SAN LUIS VALLEY — Had it not been for the fervent faith of those who settled the Valley, forged the trails, forded the streams and broke ground for their modest adobe homesteads, Hispanic settlements in the Valley would never have thrived. It was the Catholic faith that kept those settlers alive and able to deal with adverse conditions that many would have found intolerable. The Valley was dedicated to God and claimed for the King of Spain by the explorer Vargas in 1706. Vargas also gave the Valley the name of a Catholic saint — St. Louis, or San Luis. Plazas in the Valley revolved around the local Catholic churches and were the center of community events for over a century. But slowly the Catholic population and fervor dwindled over the years, following the general decline in religious practice in the U.S. Recent polls reveal the younger generation of Catholic Hispanics has drifted away from the traditional teachings of their ancestors with as many as 24 percent identified as unaffiliated with any church. While statistics show most Hispanics today remain primarily Catholic and continue the Catholic traditions privately, there has been a slow leakage of youth from traditional ways beginning in the 1960s and the ushering in of the changes in the Catholic Church as a result of Vatican II. At that time it is estimated that as many as one-third to one-half of Catholics stopped actively practicing their faith. According to NBCLatino, (http:// nbclatino.com/2012/08/23/growingnumber-of-latinos-have-no-religiousaffiliation/), “the Pew Hispanic Center reports one-in-five (19 percent) of Latino adults say they are Protestant, and 14 percent say they are unaffiliated with any religion. “’The increase has been in the numbers of those who have withdrawn from identifying with clergy-led parishes, but who remain Catholic at home,’ says Orlando O. Espin,

Professor for the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego.” A new phenomenon called house churches, mentioned in the New Testament, became popular about the same time that the changes in the Church appeared. “The small Christian community movement, which began in the 1960s in Latin America, updates the idea of the early house churches. Now small communities of Catholics in the United States and around the world are often led by women. These small groups are trying to connect faith and daily life in ways that can have a profound ripple effect that nurtures Christ’s Church in a powerful way for generations,” (Theresa Doyle-Nelson, http://www.americancatholic.org/ Messenger/Jul2008/Feature2.asp#F2). This is not unfamiliar to Hispanics and other Catholics living on the American frontier, many of whom were forced to keep their faith for decades without the regular assistance of Catholic priests until missions could be established. So although some Catholics may have left the church, at home others still honor their religious traditions. What are these traditions, and what is their history?

Our Lady of Guadalupe If it weren’t for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hispanics would never have been converted to Catholicism in the first place. The Catholic Church teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the peasant Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill outside Mexico City in 1531. She ordered him to report to his bishop and request a chapel be built at the apparition site in her honor. She instructed him to pick roses growing in winter at the site and take them to the bishop. Juan gathered them in his tilma or cloak and when he delivered them the bishop knelt in awe, for there was the Virgin’s image imprinted on his tilma. This tilma is the object of veneration reFile photo vered for six centuries at the cathedral built Traditional presentation of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in her honor in Mexico City. No Hispanic is ignorant of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She La Navidad is the subject of flags, tattoos, T-shirts and Christmas is often celebrated with honors yard shrines in every Hispanic neighbor- paid to the three kings who came to visit hood. Her miraculous conversion of six Jesus sometime after His birth. Devotion million Mexican natives following the ap- also is given to El Santo Niño de Atocha, parition is the reason Hispanics embrace the infant Jesus. On Christmas Eve, candles the Catholic faith today. line the walkways to homes and families participate in la posados, re-enacting JoThe Rosary seph and Mary seeking shelter for the baby This prayer originated with St. Dominic Jesus’ birth. during the 1200s, who used it to convert the Albigensians, a group of heretics who Dia de Muertos flourished in various countries in Europe. Although some have returned this celThe short and most common version of ebration to its pre-Catholic roots among the Rosary consists of the Apostles Creed, the Aztec religion, and often celebrate it 53 Hail Marys, five Our Fathers and Five as such in Mexico, the Catholic Church Glory Be’s, all prayers sanctioned by the celebrates the feast of All Saints Nov. 1 and Catholic Church. the feast of All (departed) Souls on Nov. 2. The Rosary is associated with Our Lady of This is a holy time to pray for the souls Guadalupe and her miraculous conversions, of departed loved ones and for those souls also her love for her children, whom she who have no one else to pray for them. promised in the apparition to Juan Diego to The tradition of praying for the dead can carry in her arms. Many Hispanics exhibit a be traced back to the Jewish religion and tender devotion to her in all their daily cares is found mentioned in the biblical book and faithfully recite their Rosary. of Machabees (in Catholic versions of the Bible). Novenas Celebration of this feast varies from place Saints common to the Southwest and to place. Usually, families go together to often venerated by Hispanics who migrated visit cemeteries, saying special prayers for to America include St. John the Baptist, St. relatives and leaving flowers. Some bake James, Archangels Michael and Raphael, the pan de muerto or bread of the dead, in St, Anthony of Padua, St. Lawrence, St. Te- which sometimes is concealed a miniature resa of Avila, St. Isidore the Husbandman, skeleton. the Holy Child of Atocha, the Blessed VirSome also erect elaborate altars to honor gin under several titles, and many others. their dearly departed, holding vigils and Novenas are offered to these saints (nine offering prayers at home. days of special prayers) before special feast While many of these traditions may seem days and for favors, or in great necessity. In strange to those unfamiliar with such cusadobe homes of the southwest, niches can toms, they have comforted generations of be seen carved into the walls where statues Hispanics and are carefully preserved as a Photo by Teresa L. Benns of these saints and others were placed. part of both their culture and faith. A Day of the Dead altar put together by Mountain Valley High School students

September 12, 2018

Hispanic Heritage

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Hispanic and Latino: Narrowing down the differences Celebrate Hispanic culture

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The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are often used interchangeably to identify an ethnic population of Spanish-speaking individuals originating from areas around Europe, Central America and South America. However, these two words have subtle differences. Some may know what sets Latinos and Hispanics apart, but much of North America may not understand the differences. “Hispanic” defines a person whose ancestry originates in a country where Spanish is spoken. “Latino” is a person who comes from or traces his or her ancestry to a Latin American country. Although many times the terms can overlap, in a few distinct instances they do not. Take, for example, Brazil. Brazil is a Latin American country, which means its residents are Latino. However, Brazilians cannot say they are Hispanic because they speak Portuguese instead of Spanish. Similarly,

people who come from Spain can identify as Hispanic because of their language. But, Spain is not located in the region of Latin America, so the term Latino cannot be used to identify someone of Spanish heritage. One who hails from Cuba, Mexico or Puerto Rico fits both the Latino and Hispanic classifications. He or she comes from a Spanish-speaking nation that also is located in Latin America. Keep in mind that some countries, such as Haiti, Martinique and Saint Martin, are also Caribbean. However, residents in those countries do not predominately speak Spanish, but rather French and Dutch. Therefore people from these countries are Latino, but they are not Hispanic. In short, “Hispanic” focuses on Spanishspeaking origin, while “Latino” refers to a geographic location. Both terms are meant to represent ethnicity, and not race, but they are often used to refer to race as well. TF179303

Hispanic spending

With 57 million Hispanics in the United States, virtually all industries can benefit from Latino spending power. Hispanics represent nearly 18 percent of the U.S. population, and according to Nielsen’s Target Track retail measurement service, Hispanic buying power reached $1.4 trillion in 2016. Estimates suggest that spending power will increase to $1.8 trillion by 2021. Hispanics are spending more in industries that do not necessarily match up with the rest of

the U.S. population. Bakeries, delis, frozen foods, and household care are areas of top concentration for Latino markets. Hispanics also are spending more on bulk paper products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and coffee. Manufacturers and retailers are increasingly considering the Hispanic market when promoting goods and services. That’s because this demographic packs considerable buying power. TF189288

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at the dinner table

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the people who trace their origins to South America, Central America, Mexico, Spain, and certain areas of the Caribbean. Each Hispanic country has its own unique cultural traditions, and many of these traditions revolve around food. Those who want to toast Spanish culture and cuisine can whip up the following recipe for “Morcilla con Setas (Blood Sausage with Mushrooms, Spring Peas and Mint Oil)” from James Campbell Caruso’s “España: Exploring the Flavors of Spain” (Gibbs Smith).

Morcilla con Setas (Blood Sausage with Mushrooms, Spring Peas and Mint Oil) Serves 4 1 pound morcilla blood sausage 1 pound mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, slivered Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons white wine 1 cup shelled spring peas 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons mint oil Mint Oil 1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1⁄2 cup chopped mint Pinch of salt

Cut the blood sausage into 12 slices. Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper for 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 2 more minutes. Boil the peas for 2 minutes and drain. When mushrooms are done, remove from heat and stir in the peas. In a cast-iron skillet, sear the morcilla in a dry pan for 2 minutes per side. Arrange the slices of morcilla down the middle of a platter. Surround with mushroom/pea mixture and drizzle the plate with the mint oil. For the mint oil: In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil to warm. Remove from heat and add the mint and a small pinch of salt. Allow to rest for 1 hour. Drain through a sieve. Reserve extra mint oil for other uses, such as vinaigrette. TF189284

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Hispanic leaders remain true to Valley

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By Sylvia Lobato

SAN LUIS VALLEY—While many excellent and notable Hispanic residents were born in the San Luis Valley, a number have long moved on. Following is an list of some of those who have made a difference in the world — and the San Luis Valley. Aaron Abeyta In his second term as mayor of Antonito, Aaron Abeyta states simply, “I serve out of love.” That love is visible in Antonito improvements, as well as the Antonito Homeschool Consortium, which he helped found and currently heads, spreading his time between this and his work as an Adams State University professor of English and a prolific, acclaimed writer. Most of his stories, poetry and essays draw upon places and memories rooted in the San Luis Valley. “Each place carries a human memory with it,” he said. His family’s presence spans nine generations on his mother’s side, eight on his dad’s. As mayor, he’s working to upgrade Antonito’s infrastructure. As a board member of Conejos Clean Water, he opposed rail transport of nuclear waste through the San Luis Valley. “My goal is for students to be able to recognize the trials and obstacles they face. My approach is, let’s study the oppressive forces, where they come from. That way you’re aware of your enemy and might be able to overcome.” In that regard, Abeyta leads by example.

Donald Valdez Conejos County native Donald Valdez is in his first term as State Representative (D-HD 62). He has become a voice of the district and the people in the San Luis Valley for education, agriculture, our water and economic development. He sees several key areas of importance for this district including communication system updates such as fiber optics; renewable energy advancement and educational and economic development opportunities for future generations. Born and raised in La Jara, he grew up on a farm/ranch, was educated in the North Conejos School District and graduated with a business administration degree from Adams State. He worked for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as the Conejos County treasurer, clerk and assessor. Replacing term-limited State Rep. Ed Vigil, Valdez knows the value of preserving and protecting the Valley’s surface water, acequias and groundwater, key aspects of the water system. Striving to preserve local culture, he serves on the board of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Marguerite Salazar Conejos County native Marguerite Salazar is the executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) moving to that position from a post as Colora-

Hispanic Heritage

September 12, 2018

Trial Lawyers, International Society of Born in Antonito and raised by his mother, Barristers, American Bar Foundation, and he rose to the challenge onward from his the Colorado Bar Foundation, of which he teenage years and used those lessons make a was president. positive difference. Vigil holds three master’s He currently serves as a Special Advisor to degrees and a doctorate and has written books the Latin America and Caribbean Division, espousing his philosophy, not only in exercise Rule of Law Initiative, American Bar Asso- physiology, but running techniques. He is an ciation. In this capacity he has participated international authority on altitude training. in liaison and training programs in Ecuador, After graduating from Alamosa High Mexico, Panama and other Latin American School and serving two years in the Navy, countries. He has twice led the American del- Vigil enrolled at Adams State and played egations on environmental capacity building football. He coached and taught at Alamosa for the Chilean Judiciary. High School for 12 years before Adams State Judge Lucero has received numerous awards, needed a new track coach and he landed the including the Professional Service Award of job. His high school team had already beaten the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, the the college team in an exhibition dual meet. Professional Service Award of the League of That was in 1965. Soon, he served on a United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), committee working to attract the marathon and the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the trials for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, George Washington University. In 2006, he was which made sense because Alamosa’s altitude presented the National Jurist of the Year Award (7,500 feet) is the same as Mexico City’s. The bid was successful. do’s Insurance Commissioner. She began her by the Hispanic National Bar Association. His Adams State teams went on to win 87 role as DORA’s executive director in 2017. individual titles in cross country and track. At Salazar had been insurance commissioner the 1992 NCAA cross country championships since Aug. 19, 2013, overseeing the regulathey posted a perfect score (15), sweeping tion of the insurance industry in Colorado as the first five places. The following year, his head of the Division of Insurance, one of the last as coach there, they won with another nine divisions within DORA. Before that, ridiculously low score (25). she served as the Region 8 director for the Department of Health and Human Services. Martin A. Gonzales She was appointed by President Barack Twelfth Judicial District Judge Martin A. Obama to oversee the implementation of Gonzales was born in Alamosa in 1952 and the Affordable Care Act, not only in Colois a fourth generation resident of the San rado but also in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Luis Valley. He attended the University of North Dakota and South Dakota. For more Colorado, graduating with a BA in 1975 and than 25 years, Salazar led one of the largest a Juris Doctorate in 1978. Community Health Centers in the country, He then engaged in a general practice in Valley-Wide Health Systems in the San Alamosa, also serving as attorney for Conejos Luis Valley. Regular Classified Ad Deadline-Thursday 5 p.m. and Costilla counties. He served as juvenile As DORA director, Salazar provides lead15 Words or less for 4 weeks - 4 publications $ magistrate for the12th Judicial District from 1950 + 95¢ each additional word. ership and support to nine divisions: Banking, 1997 until his appointment as Alamosa Garage Sale Ads: 15 words or less for 1 week Civil Rights, Financial Services, Insurance, $ 12 + 35¢ each additional word. County Judge at the beginning of 2001. He Professions and Occupations, Real Estate, Free ads: Lost & Found • Non Commercial items Sold for $50 or less • Any Item or Dr. Joe I. Vigil see LEADERS on Page 5 Animal being given away. (Private party only) CallPlease 719-852-3531 for details. Securities, the Office of Consumer Counsel and the Public Utilities Commission. Functions of the office also include administrative Name: _______________________________________ oversight as well as the Colorado Office of Policy, Research & Regulatory Reform Address: _____________________________________ (COPRRR) and the Broadband Fund.

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Judge Carlos F. Lucero Judge Carlos F. Lucero was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit by President Clinton June 30, 1995. He was born Nov. 23, 1940, in Antonito and received a B.A. degree from Adams State College followed by a Juris Doctorate from the George Washington University Law School in 1964. Judge Lucero clerked for Judge William E. Doyle, United States District Court for the District of Colorado, during the 19641965 term. Prior to his clerkship, he was a staff aide for the United States Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure. He entered private practice in Alamosa, where he became senior partner of the law firm of Lucero, Lester and Sigmund. He served as president of the Colorado Bar Association in 1977-1978. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of

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Hispanic Heritage

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was appointed to the district court bench in August of 2007 and currently handles civil cases. Gonzales has always extensively involved himself in a variety of community activities, especially those involving mental health and children. He championed formation of a soccer team and served as a coach for a number of years after his drive was successful. He also serves as a member of many nonprofit boards, including the board of directors for the San Luis Valley Community Corrections Board, member of the San Luis Valley Health medical ethics committee, member of the board of directors of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, member of the board of directors of the San Luis Valley Comprehensive Mental Health Center, member of the Board of Managers of Sycare LLC, a member of the 12th Judicial Juvenile services School of Law and works with the Equal Access to Justice Project for persons involved in civil litigation who can’t afford attorneys.

John Tony Salazar A former U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 3rd congressional district, serving from 2005 until 201, John T. Salazar was appointed as Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture in the cabinet of Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2011. Salazar was born July 21, 1953 in the hospital at Alamosa and was raised and educated in Conejos County. He served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1976, returning home to work as a farmer and rancher. He received a BS in business administration from Adams State College in 1981 and owned Spudseed.com, which marketed potatoes, as well as serving as a director of Monte Vista Production Credit Union and Agro Engineering, Inc. Founded by the Salazar family, Salazar Meats is on the cutting edge of small-scale, sustainable meat production, one of only a handful of farm-based USDA inspected slaughter and processing facilities in the country. It’s at Las Rincones and open to the public for custom processing on a USDA or Not-for-Sale (private use) basis. Not-forSale processing includes wild game options.

John also has served on several Colorado public bodies including the Governor’s Economic Development Advisory Board, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Forum. He also served on the Colorado Agricultural Commission from 1999 to 2002 before being elected to the Colorado House of Representatives from 2003 until 2004. Salazar was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004, the same year his younger brother became a U.S. Senator. In a year when Republicans made gains, he was one of only three Democratic pick-up seats in the U.S. House.

Ken Salazar Kenneth Lee “Ken” Salazar was born March 2, 1955 in the hospital at Alamosa and grew up in Las Rincones near Manassa in a settlement called Los Rincones. He attended St. Francis Seminary and Centauri High School, graduating in 1973, and went on to attend Colorado College, where he earned a BA in political science. His Juris Doctorate came from the University of Michigan School of Law, and he went into private law practice after graduation. In 1986, Salazar became chief legal counsel to then-Gov. Roy Romer, who subsequently appointed him to his cabinet as director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. In this position, he authored the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) amendment, which created a massive land conservation program of which he became chairman. He pursued Galactic Resources, owner of the Summitville Mine and continued after the company declared bankruptcy to receive a judgment for Colorado from Galactic president and chief executive Robert Friedland in 2001 that amounted to some $20 million for restoration work in the Alamosa River watershed. Salazar also created the Youth in Natural Resources program to provide for environmental education in public schools. In his cabinet role, he established reforms that forced mining and petroleum operations to better protect the surrounding environment. He was elected state attorney general in 1998 and again in 2002. Police operations were streamlined under Salazar, and several new branches of law enforcement were created: the gang prosecution unit, the environmental crimes unit, and the general fugitive prosecution unit, which targeted murderers. He also worked to strengthen consumer protection and anti-fraud laws, as well as to protect children through new policy targeting sex offenders. In 2004, Salazar declared his candidacy for — and won — the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell. On Jan. 20, 2009, he resigned his senate seat upon his confirmation by the Senate to become Secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama. He is now with WilmerHale, a firm he was attracted to because of the quality of its attorneys and its participation in advocating for social justice.

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Hispanic health concerns

H e a l t h c o n c e r n s a ff e c t people from all walks of life, and people who identify as Hispanic or Latino are no exception. Understanding the issues they might be predisposed to can help Hispanics improve their overall health and continue living happy, healthy lives. Certain diseases and chronic conditions affect Hispanics in higher proportions than others. According to data from the National Health Interview Survey conducted by Pleis and Lethbridge-Cejku, Hispanics have a higher prevalence of diabetes than nonHispanic whites. Also, the rate of overweight and obesity among Hispanic adults is higher than it is among other people, putting Hispanics at a higher risk for the development of various conditions linked to being overweight or obese. According to the most reCourtesy photo cent reports from hospitals and other medical establish- To remain healthy, Hispanics should work with doctors to identify ments, as noted in “A La illnesses that affect them at higher rates than other ethnicities. Buena Salud — To Good Health!” from America instead of another country, many the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and might be more likely to seek medical care Prevention, the leading causes of disease when feeling sick. among Hispanics are heart disease, cancer Hispanics can work in conjunction and high blood pressure, while the leading with their doctors to remain informed on causes of death are cancer, heart disease conditions that they may be at higher risk and unintentional injuries. Historically, of contracting, such as diabetes, Barrett’s Hispanics in the United States have had esophagus and obstructive sleep apnea. less access to health services and utilize Remaining open to care and working in fewer preventative care services than concert with the medical community can other ethnic groups. However, as a greater help keep millions of people in top health. percentage of Hispanics are now born in TF179304

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is hosting an evening featuring inspirational Hispano Heroes. The event is FREE for all youth and those with a college ID. All $5 adult ticket proceeds will go towards the SdCNHA Youth History Scholarships. All San Luis Valley students who participate in the regional History Fair this Fall with a topic about local history will be eligible to compete for scholarships. Olympic Gold Medalist and UFC World Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo, Former Adams State Wrestler and entrepreneur Frankie Sanchez and local Heritage Area Heroes Awards will be featured during an evening that promotes perseverance, overcoming obstacles and self-pride. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and seating is first come first serve. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the Alamosa High School Gym.

www.sdcnha.org

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Hispanic Heritage

September 12, 2018

Hispano heroes to speak in SLV

ALAMOSA — The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) is proud to present an inspirational evening with Olympic Gold Medalist in Wrestling, National Wrestling Hall of Fame Member and UFC World Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo. He will speak to the community about perseverance, dedication, finding your passion and having pride in oneself on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Alamosa High School gymnasium at 6 p.m. This event takes place during September, which is Hispanic Heritage Month and a perfect time to honor Hispano heroes Cejudo and Frankie Sanchez. This event is free for all youth and those with student IDs. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with an adult entry fee of $5 to be collected at the door. All proceeds will go towards heritage area youth history fair scholarships. All students who compete in the regional history fair this year with a topic about local history will be eligible to compete for scholarship funds. SdCNHA will hand out five special awards to local recipients during the evening as well. Cejudo grew up in south central L.A., the son of undocumented immigrant parents and the youngest of seven children. He grew up poor, and his father – who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction – was absent for large stretches of his life and passed away when Henry was only 20. Henry captured four high school wrestling state championships (two in Colorado, two in Arizona). He was awarded ASICS National High School Wrestler of the Year in 2006. He participated in two Junior World Championships, placing fifth in 2005 and second in 2006. That same year, Henry became the first high schooler to win U.S. Nationals since USA Wrestling’s formation as the sport’s national body in 1983. Cejudo decided to skip wrestling at the college level and instead accepted an offer from USA wrestling to train at their main facilities in Colorado Springs. Following successful performances at the Pan American Games and Pan American Championships, Cejudo qualified for the 2008 Olympics in last place and was told he really had no shot at the gold. Not only did he win gold, but also at the time he was the youngest American to ever become an Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling. In January of 2013 Henry announced his plans to begin training for a MMA career. He has had 13 professional wins and two losses. One loss was his first match up with Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in 2016 for the Flyweight title. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round being dropped with a variety of strikes. Henry took this loss as a reason to train harder for the next two years in hopes of a rematch. His nickname “The Messenger” comes from the belief that his success is a platform to spread

a greater message: No situation is too difficult to overcome. “You can accomplish anything that you dedicate yourself to. Think how many people struggle across the world, across the country. I know anything is possible if you set your mind, your body, your soul and your faith to it. MMA, fighting, winning the Olympics – it’s only a platform for me to help others. It’s just a tool,” Cejudo says. “I have a purpose and a meaning in life, and I have to fulfill that. Being a champion is great, but more importantly than that, you get to be an inspiration and a role model to other people.” Henry has also authored the book “American Victory” that the Los Angeles Times called, “Compelling...American Victory represents the triumph of the human spirit.”

Frankie Sanchez Sr. Also speaking at the event is Sanchez, Sr., an alumni of Adams State, member of Team Cejudo and entrepreneur. Sanchez Sr. is a native of Colorado, and his family history traces back to the Spanish and Native Americans who settled in San Luis. He won six Colorado Golden Gloves Boxing Championships and after a great high school wrestling career he received a wrestling scholarship to Adams State. After competing in wrestling for five years at Adams State, Frankie turned professional in the sport of boxing. He fought 32 pro fights and competed for three professional championships that were televised on HBO, Showtime and Pay Per View Television. After his professional sports career, Frankie used his college degree to enter into many different careers fields. He was a youth counselor, college recruiter, junior high and high school wrestling coach. He also did private security for movie stars such as The Karate Kid Ralph Machio and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee. In 2013 Frankie took a chance and followed his love and passion for food and giving back to others and purchased a used hot dog cart. His goal was to create and serve food that he grew up eating in Southern Colorado. His idea of serving customers tacos, burritos, nachos and quesadillas along with green and red chili and his sriracha ranch sauce has really taken off. His company North of the Border Grill is now one of the top food truck companies in Colorado. He now has two food trucks, seven food carts and a private restaurant in the Denver Tech Center. His company is now partnered with four multi-million dollar companies. Iheart radio, American Financing, 505 salsa and Flagship Food Group. His startup taco cart company that he established with $700 only five years ago and is only opened part time, is now selling between $500,000 and $1,000,000 per year. Sanchez’s goal was to always give back to

his community and motivate others to become successful. In 2008 Cejudo contacted Sanchez for assistance in putting together a fundraiser to help some of his family members travel to China to support him with his dream of becoming an Olympic champion. The fundraiser was a success and his family was able to travel to China and watch Cejudo shock the world and achieve the biggest accomplishment in his life. After the Olympic Games in 2008 Frankie and Henry traveled across the USA visiting different schools, churches, bookstores and colleges offering motivational speeches and wrestling camps. On Aug. 4 Cejudo once again made history and upset the pound for pound greatest fighter of all time, Demetris Johnson, to become the first ever Olympic and UFC champion. After celebrating a victory tour across the world in August, the next stop is here in Alamosa to attend the Hispano Hero’s event hosted by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Both Cejudo and Sanchez are excited to return to the Valley where the journey to inspire others started in 2008. They love the support from the Valley and hope that with the new stories and experiences they have had and that they will share at this event that they can motivate people to go out and accomplish anything they want. They both believe that hard work, dedication and sacrifice is the key to success. Both are living proof that no matter where you come from or how many obstacles you have to cross, Adams State University alum and entrepreneur Frankie Sanchez will join Cejudo in the Saturday, anything is possible. Sept. 22 presentation.

Courtesy photos

Olympic Gold medalist, National Wrestling Hall of Fame member and UFC World Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo will speak in Alamosa on Sept. 22.

Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA) was established by Congress in 2009 as being an important and unique part of the story of the founding of America. It is richly layered with stories of people, their traditions and arts, their histories and breathtaking landscapes. SdCNHA, which is a non-profit 50s located in southcentral Colorado and covers more than 3,000 square miles of the San Luis Valley including Alamosa, Costilla and Conejos counties; the Great Sand Dunes National Park; and the Alamosa, Baca and Monte Vista Wildlife Refuges. The mission of SdCNHA is to promote, preserve, protect, and interpret its profound historical, religious, environmental, geographic, geologic, cultural, and linguistic resources. These efforts will contribute to the overall national story and engender a spirit of pride and self-reliance. SdCNHA would like to thank sponsors that help make this event possible: Colorado Trust, Alamosa County Local Marketing District, Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, Alamosa State Bank, La Jara Pharmacy Health Mart Center, San Luis Valley Brewing Company, Nino’s del Sol, Alta Fuels, VinRock Media, Chavez Southwest Market, Alpine Electric, Grizzly MMA and the Zebra 97.1 For more event info and information on youth history scholarships visit www.sdcnha. org or find us on Facebook at Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

September 12, 2018

Hispanic Heritage

Page 7

A history of the Old Spanish Trail

By Louise Colville

SAN LUIS VALLEY — Juan Antonio Maria de Rivera in 1765 with his group of unarmed men traveled north from Abiquiu to the “Piedra Parada” (Standing Rock) that is now known as Chimney Rock in the Pagosa Springs, Colo. area. Then they traveled west along the south edge of the San Juan Mountains to the present Animas River where they headed west to a big bend in the Dolores River at an “important” trail junction. The route eventually became part of the Old Spanish Trail. Two ancient routes ran the length of the San Luis Valley. The East Trail followed the Sangre de Cristo mountain range through the sage covered land at their base. It stayed close to the base of the mountains for the availability of firewood and protection from enemies. It also kept the travelers and their animals out of the marshy areas of the middle part of the San Luis Valley. North of the present town of Crestone, the trail turned west and headed to the area of present town of Saguache. It then went over Coochetopa (Cochetopa) Pass. The other ancient route was the West Fork that came across the San Luis Valley through the open area in the western part. It crossed the Rio Grande and then continued along the foothills of the San Juan Mountains to the junction of the east branch at present Saguache. According to Krall, the West branch is still under study and yet to be classified as part of the Old Spanish Trail because of insufficient data. However, it is documented as a trail or road on various maps. Many local historians feel that this branch does exist and are calling for more studies. For thousands of years, these trails were well use by ancestral natives, then the Spanish colonists and military, fur trappers, explorers, herdsmen, prospectors, invaders, slave traders and settlers. In the Gunnison-Beckwith expedition in 1853, they traveled this area. One name for these trails could be “The Ancient Way”. Tracing the trail In his book, “Retracing the Old Spanish Trail” author Ron Kessler shows the West Fork coming through Ojo Caliente to Tres Piedras to a small unnamed spring just west of Tres Piedras where travelers could fill their water supply for the trip across the arid, dry land, the “No Agua Land” ahead of them. The trail would come across land that now has the settlements that would have started as people ventured into the “Land of the Yutas” starting in the 1840s with the Conejos or Guadalupe Land Grant. This was a Mexican land grant given to a large group of individuals. Eventually, the Rio Bravo del Norte or Rio Grande del Norte was reached, crossed at good fords and the trail continued on through the wild and untamed country following the low mountains that define the edge of the Valley. The West Fork is probably the route that families who settled in present Rio Grande County would have used. Historians disagree as to where they actually settled after they arrived and made their permanent homes, farms and ranches in area that were called “plazas.” Several maps made in 1870s show a major plaza called “San Jose” at the location of present Swede Lane and County Road 3 West area. A map done by the Rio Grande County Surveyor in 1875 also shows a “plaza” in this area with

Courtesy of Rio Grande County Museum

A map of the Old Spanish Trail was hand drawn by Yvonne Halburio of Saguache.

the legal description appropriate for this to be the San Jose Plaza. Other evidence for this to be San Jose includes the San Jose Ditch which was adjudicated April 30, 1866 with priority #3. One of the original people to claim the water right was Manuel Lucero. The ditch later became known as the Lucero Ditch. The legal description for the Lucero Ditch at the headgate is “takes its supply of water from a natural stream known as the Rio Grande River and its headgate is located in the southwest quarter, section 16, township 39, Range 7 New Mexico Meridian. The Atencio Ditch was Priority #2, dated April 15, 1866 with the legal description shown as being located in the southwest quarter of section 22, township 39, range 7, 31 degrees 58 feet e. 4028 feet from the northwest corner of said section 22. It also shows that the water is taken from the Rio Grande. The #1 priority on the Upper Rio Grande was the Silva Ditch was a date of March 12, 1866. The water was taken from the Rio Grande with a legal description of the location of the headgates as follows: N. 39 d. 50” E. 36 chains from corner to sections 6-7 1 &12, township 30 N. Ranges 5 and 7 New Mexico Meridian.

Road was what was left of the Old Spanish Trail. In Krall’s article in the Crestone Eagle about the Bunker site on the East Branch, she states “that this site would have been as a camp site on the Old Spanish Trail, but has history much older than the 1828-1848 period of time.” She states that it is difficult to distinguish sites occupied by Native people participating in Euro-American trade networks from other Native people sites during the early contact period. Jicarilla Apaches often had a similar material cultural to early Hispanic settlers. A diverse assemblage of artifacts at the site pre-dates the

Ancient people also traveled the OST Native people would have traveled these ancient trails to follow game for hunting, for trading and for travel. Governor de Anza pursued the Comanches north in 1779 along this trail. It was not by chance that these families would have found the location for their homes along this trail. They would have followed a major trail used for years. With the coming of modern conveniences such as the stage coach, the railroad and finally motorized vehicles, the use of these trails decreased and they became roads for transporting people and goods. The Old Conejos

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Chimney Rock, marking the Old Spanish Trail, as seen from Wolf Creek Pass

Louise Colville is the director of Rio Grande County Museum. The article was reprinted courtesy of the Rio Grande County Museum.

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use of the Old Spanish Trail, suggesting it has been a popular campsite for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The site gets its name from Bob and Judy Bunker, local ranches in the Baca Ranch. Bob Bunker is an “old cowboy” who rode on the Baca Grande when it was private land prior to becoming Federal Lands. He discovered many sites in the area.

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Hispanic Heritage

September 12, 2018

Speaking Spanish at home declining among Hispanics

The term “Hispanics,” which once referred to people with a Spanish-speaking heritage, is getting a makeover. Data increasingly points out that there as been a dramatic linguistic shift occurring in communities across the country. Many second- and third-generation Hispanics are growing up in homes where Spanish is no longer the primary language. According to a new analysis from the Pew Research Center, despite Hispanic parents being interested in keeping the Spanish language alive within their families, the percentage of people who carry on this tradition is dwindling with each passing generation. Information from the Center’s 2015

National Survey of Latinos found that 97 percent of foreign-born parents speak Spanish to their children at home, but the share drops to 71 percent among United States-born second-generation Latino parents, and then down to 49 percent among third and fourth generations — those born to U.S.born parents. Similar findings are present in mixed households, where one parent is not Hispanic. Overall, English proficiency is on the rise, and more and more Latinos are skipping Spanish at home. While debates about whether this is a good or bad thing for the Hispanic community continue, this trend aligns with prior trends in regard to incoming immigrants. First

generations prefer to speak their native language while second generations are primarily bilingual. Subsequent generations are typically monolingual, advised Jody Vallejo, an associate professor of sociology at USC who studies immigrant integration. Pew Research Center goes on to offer that U.S.-born Hispanics are now the drivers of the Hispanic population, and greater assimilation is to be expected, with the Spanish language in distress. As the number of newly arriving immigrants from Latin America and elsewhere has been in decline for the last 10 years, it seems the monolingual trend may continue. Courtesy photo With each passing Latino generation, the propensity to speak Spanish at home TF189285 declines.

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Each year between September 15 to October 15 people observe and celebrate the unique histories, contributions and cultural influences of Hispanics. Hispanic people are those who hail or whose ancestors hail from South America, Central America, Mexico, Spain, and areas of the Caribbean. Throughout early autumn, Hispanic culture and history is celebrated. The dates of Hispanic Heritage Month is significant because it includes the anniversaries of independence for various Latin American countries. September 15 marks when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua achieved independence. The first official Hispanic heritage commemoration was observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. It was expanded in 1988 under then-president Ronald Regan to encompass a full month. Enacted into law on August 17, 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated ever since. The term “Hispanic” refers to people who can trace their lineage to Spanish-speaking nations. Hispanic also includes Latinos, who originate from Latin American countries. Nearly all Latinos also can be classified as Hispanic, with the exception of Brazilians because they speak Portuguese. People from Spain would be considered Hispanic, but not Latino. Other Latin American countries that are French-speaking, like Haiti, also cannot be classified as Hispanic. According to Hispanic Research Inc., the Hispanic demographic in the United States includes people from more than 20 countries. For marketing and research purposes, as well as classification, these nations and territories are primarily listed as Hispanic. • Argentina • Bolivia • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Ecuador • El Salvador • Guatemala • Honduras • Mexico • Nicaragua • Panama • Paraguay • Peru • Puerto Rico • Spain • Uruguay • Venezuela When midSeptember arrives, the Americas and their Latin American neighbors pay homage to the very influential and ever-growing Hispanic population. It is a time of food, festivals and fanfare. TF189282

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