A Parade of Cultures—and Stories Worth Celebrating

For one morning at 10th & Green Elementary School in Reading, lessons about Spanish-speaking countries stepped out of the classroom and into a parade.

Students gathered in embroidered dresses, flower crowns and traditional outfits, ready to share the countries they had explored with their classmates. Families, teachers and guests came together to celebrate their work—and José Martínez joined them as Grand Marshal.

The bilingual journalist and author helped lead the procession alongside students carrying a Hispanic Heritage Month banner. But the invitation also gave him a chance to share a story of his own: a journey that began in Cartagena, Colombia, and led to a career telling stories in English and Spanish.

For Martínez, speaking about heritage in a school setting carries particular meaning. His memoir, Your English Is Great, But…: A Life Between Languages, Cities, and Grief, explores questions of language, identity and belonging—subjects that can begin taking shape long before adulthood.

The school’s annual celebration gives those conversations a place to start. Each class chooses a Spanish-speaking country, explores its culture and prepares facts and demonstrations to share with the community. Students become the guides, introducing families and guests to what they have discovered.

In the photographs from the morning, that pride is easy to see: a handmade Mexican flag, carefully arranged flowers, a sombrero and a colorful sign announcing the Hispanic Heritage celebration.

Martínez’s role that morning brought together two parts of his work: sharing his own experience and making room for other people’s stories. This time, the students had plenty to share.

Special thanks to Sherry Brinker and the 10th & Green Elementary School community for the invitation and warm welcome.