Mississippi Latinos rise against cultural stigmas

Some people automatically apply the term "illegal immigration"  to Hispanic Cultures. Members of the Latino community say this can lead to stereotyping and false accusations. 
 
Melinda Medina, who lives in Biloxi, is Mexican-American. She says without immigration, there would be no diversity.
 
"Whether it's legal immigration, or illegal immigration, we are all immigrants. That's what makes America great. it's the diversity that we have in this country," says Medina.
 
Referring to a popular comment made by Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump - Medina says it hurts to know that people don't understand the hardships many Latinos face.
 
"When Donald Trump went out and said Mexico doesn't bring their best, that was very offensive to me. I had a friend who gave his life and left his 11 month old son behind. If we were to elect a president that doesn't even recognize him, that's kind of tragic," Medina says.  
 
Israel Martinez is Vice President of the Latin American Business Association in Jackson. He says, if given the chance, cultural similarities, such as music, food, and dance are evident - even in Mississippi - which is often remembered for it's history of segregation. 
 
"It would be a great opportunity to share our culture with the rest. It would show the world that we are making great progress towards a better future," says Martinez.
 
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th.