This was a fantastic tribute to a man that meant so much to a generation and It tells me a lot about what he meant to the people of L.A.

Con sentimiento… 🥺#RIPKobe #RIPMamba pic.twitter.com/RyTz5i0qyr

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) January 30, 2020

 

So growing up in a Hispanic family, every holiday I’ve had a very unique opportunity to hear mariachi music live. In my family on my mother’s side, my grandfather was awesome mariachi. I once remember as a kid seeing him on TV. Back in the 80s if you were on TV, in my opinion at least, you were like a rockstar. I used to hear stories about how he would get invited play with symphonies. I remember my friends coming over and I would brag to them about how great my grandfather was and if he was in town I would challenge them to pick any song let him listen to it and I bet them he could play it back on his guitar. My grandfather was amazing. My aunts and uncles also have this talent and for two of them they have continued the tradition.

Every time I hear mariachi music, If I see Mariachis out in public, I feel a sense of family, a connection to the music that I can’t explain. As a second generation American, my family’s Hispanic culture is something that I’m very proud of. I am kind of ashamed to admit it, I am not fluent in Spanish, however every time I hear Mariachis sing, it touches the soul. I remember my grandfather, I remember my aunts and uncles, to hear their beautiful voices singing is so moving. It’s a part of my heritage that I’m extremely proud of.