Overview

During the 1990s, the Hispanic population in Burke County grew 824 percent compared to the national increase of 60 percent. It is apparent that during this time the cultural landscape of Burke County was profoundly and uniquely shifted. Most of the Hispanic population in Burke County consists of Mayan Guatemalans who arrived as both war and economic refugees. Other Hispanic ethnic groups that live in Burke County include people from Mexico, Colombia, Honduras and El Salvador. The Hispanic communities are connected by the Spanish language, which is a second language for many who have other primary ethnic dialects. The Hispanic experience is an example of the relationship between traditional ethnic values, affinity spaces and cultural assimilation as experienced by many modern immigrants.

Colombian Culture | As seen Through…Adriana Morris

Adrianna was born in Manizales, Columbia, South America. When she was young, her parents came to the United States on a work visa, settling in Miami, Florida with Adrianna and her younger sister. She often felt like an outsider and experienced discrimination based on her ethnicity. 

The family relocated to Boone, NC, where Adrianna and her sister were the two only Hispanic students attending Watauga High School. After graduating, Adrianna attended Appalachian State University where she completed a bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW).

She has been a social worker for thirteen years now, working with many local agencies including the Burke County Public School system. “It was one of my hardest jobs,” she said, but she considered the work very rewarding. Because she has the privilege of being a United States citizen, she doesn’t have to worry about her immigration status and can actively advocate for the children and their families. 

Adrianna says, “My hope for the future is simple, treat everyone as you want to be treated. Not how you think someone should be treated based on their color, race, ethnicity, [or] legal status.”

Adriana with her favorite pet!

Adriana with her husband, children and her sister