Western alumna highlights first-generation Latinx student journeys at documentary screening

A screening of "First Voice Generation" is planned for Saturday, Oct. 7.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A Western Michigan University alumna details the struggles of first-generation Latinx students in a documentary screening for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The WMU community and public are invited to attend the screening of "First Voice Generation," a documentary produced and directed by Cynthia Martinez, B.A.'06, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in the WMU Student Center ballroom. Admission is free, and free parking is available behind Sangren Hall.

"First Voice Generation" tells the stories of three Latinx high school students in Holland, Michigan, who are part of the TRiO Upward Bound Program. It highlights their dreams of becoming the first in their families to go to college and how the COVID-19 global pandemic and virtual learning exacerbated their struggles.

A graduate of Western and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, Martinez moved back home to Holland in 2020 to shine a light on the difficulties some students experience in navigating high school and higher education.

“I saw the challenges the pandemic was putting on first-generation students,” Martinez said. “I wanted to use my passion and my education to give a voice to Latinx students just like me. I wanted to give an inside look into our stories.”

Following the screening, Martinez will participate in a Q&A session with the audience.

The Latinx Employee Association is partnering with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Provost to sponsor the screening. It is one of several events at Western celebrating Latino culture and the richness it brings to the campus community planned during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Sunday, Oct. 15. 

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.