I AM YOUR HERITAGE.

Barcelona, Spain.

Upon the completion of the book by Carrie Gibson entitled : “EL NORTE, The Epic and Forgotten Story of Hispanic North America” (Gibson 2019). I felt a sense of deep gratitude and thankfulness for the tremendous works and efforts put forth by Gibson. Her physical journey to America and the various regions for her explorations. As well as the many sources, books, journal citations, articles, that are included within the detailed chapter notes. Similar to the author I was led upon a journey within my own thinking, the curious sense of the treasures of Hispanic / Spanish heritage that is deeply embedded in the foundation of America. The lands that are now divided into states, were once a Spanish Empire, lands collectively and naturally joined as one.

The formulation of the United States took place in the 17th century with the 13 colonies. The architect of America is also a story that deserves our attention. But the fact of the matter is that there are centuries of Spanish explorations that took place earlier. Which speak to the issues that surface to this very day. Such as: Religion, immigration, Latin American migrants that could also be termed as refugees, the undocumented Americans, that deserve equal rights as American citizens and more. Which once again reveal the unequal, imbalance, and much that is over-looked to this very day.

I appreciated that within the chapters there is a type of neutrality with Gibson presenting her findings. It is within her epilogue (p.427-437) where we are able to gather some opinion. Within her book there is also room for individuals from specialized fields such as: legal, archeological, historians, teachers, educators, artists, to find / select topics and areas for further discussion from the book. I thought about this book as a great addition to include for university specific courses, with the inclusion of journal / peer-reviewed articles. There are also practical elements: such as being able to go to the physical locations, listing all of the historical Spanish Missions, missionary sites as part of Americas National heritage / world heritage cites / Archeological conservations.

Today we sit with dialogue that is entrenched with hate especially towards the word Colonialism, and the recent violence and vandalisms upon the Christopher Columbus statues throughout America. Whilst the Colonial missions sought to benefit as well as conquer, the hard work and efforts of the Spanish Conquistadores, and their contributions to the early constructions / development of America cannot be ignored, such as finding the lush lands for farming in California or the Kings Highway. And I think that if war did not break out in Spain, Europe, the Spanish Empire would never have weakened, and maybe the present would look a lot different?

I am grateful and feel a sense of accomplishment that I plowed my way through the book, as I read I took extensive notes to build up my knowledge. I did not hoard my learning, as I published upon my website. As with all my blog-posts / summaries related to this book; it is important to remember that I wrote upon points of particular interest, and that there is lots more to discover per interest. As with all researchers / research endeavours, we hope to create awareness and if anyone is able to take this awareness to create or enhance good social policy, or even continue the work of raising awareness, maybe for a little while we can say: I have accomplished something?

“The United States is part of the America and likewise the people of the Americas are part of the United States.”

–Carrie Gibson, 2019, p. 437.

Thank you Carrie Gibson for your hard work and dedication to this very important history that I have termed as integral to the heritage of America. Lots of love and thank you so much!!! ~ From Shazia.

I AM YOUR HERITAGE. Will you embrace me?
Spanish America.
Shazia. 29th November 2021.

“The United States is part of the America and likewise the people of the Americas are part of the United States.”

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