Jackelyn | Latinx Heritage Month Photoshoot

“To my knowledge, my paternal grandparents worked the land. All grandparents from all sides are now deceased. My mom was orphaned and raised by one of her aunts who I believe worked for a priest in their small local town in Mexico, and eventually worked in some packing houses in LA when they first crossed over.

My Mom works at a tomato packing house in Las Deltas. She first began in the fields prior to my birth and after I was born, started in the packing house. My Dad is now retired, however was a truck driver for many years, and worked the fields prior to that. My Dad’s side is from El Potrero, Coalcomán, Michoacán, MX., and My mom’s side is from El Batán, Zapopan, Guadalajara, MX.

We grew up Catholic, but to be honest, we were taught to never question God or the Bible, so my parents just did as they were told without fully understanding it. They are/ were very naive and narrow minded, as well as afraid of people who were different. I no longer identify, and if anything, feel resentment towards the concept of religion as a colonizer’s way to control people with fear. I believe in something higher, however, I also appreciate Buddhism as well as the Tenets of the Satanic Temple. We can be morally kind people without expecting ‘heaven’ in return.”

- Jackelyn