I have loved researching my family history and family stories. It is like being a detective and uncovering mysteries. I have been particularly drawn to my family members who came from Mexico and Ireland to San Diego in the early 1800s when it was part of Mexico. I am a member of the descendants of Old Town San Diego and am a Californio which are people native to the state of California. My family has been in California since it was part of Mexico.
 |
| Maria Bernarda de Villar Lyons of Old Town San Diego - She was born in Mexico and came to San Diego when it was part of Mexico |
But I am considered "white" in our culture. I don't mark Hispanic because it is generations ago, but it is part of me so I am conflicted. But my native DNA shows up in a small amount on my DNA map, it's there, it's me. I am not mostly Hispanic just a bit, but putting "non Hispanic" is not true either.
 |
| Burial site of Jayme Lyons in Old Town San Diego, infant son of Maria Bernarda de Villar Lyons and George Lyons |
I am English, Irish, German, and many other nationalities and my DNA shows the mish mashed combination including a bit of me from my Mexican ancestors. I know their names and stories about them. I know where they lived and died and where they are buried. But when I fill out forms, I am starting to choose... Choose not to state. I don't think white describes me. I have always put white but that doesn't tell the whole story. I am only a tiny bit Hispanic so that doesn't describe me fully. Why are we put in these boxes to show diversity when we are diverse ourselves and should be seen as people, the human race?