Back in the 60s, when race riots were occurring fairly often, my friend Darryl asked me whose side I would take if war broke out with the blacks. I was in Oklahoma studying at Oklahoma State University.
Without hesitating, I told him the Blacks. Darryl was white. He asked why? Because after you get rid of the blacks we are next. Things may have gotten better, I believe we are now third on the list, 1) Gay Community, 2) Black Community, and 3) then us the Latino community. But when they start rounding up the undocumented some among them will be some Latino U. S. Citizens.
LULAC – Houston
Since 2016, only one Latino has been on the city council, representing just 6% despite Latinos constituting 45% of Houston’s population. Further compounding the disparity, only 4 out of 22 city department head positions (18%) are held by Latinos, while African Americans, constituting 22% of Houston’s population, occupy 13 leadership positions (59%) in city departments.
Meanwhile, the allocation of funds and resources for Latino projects and programs, including cultural arts and community parks, has been inequitable. Recently, city council appropriated $10 million to purchase land for the Latino library. This decision reduced library funding from $19 million to $9 million and cast shadows over fully realizing the Latino Research Center.
“The city has long neglected Mason Park,” says Robert Gallegos, Houston city councilmember, District 1. “I have dedicated some of my District Service Funds (DSF) for improvements at Mason, such as new five-foot sidewalks and lighting fixtures along the gazebo so it wouldn’t be pitch dark at night. Due to the damaged roof, the clubhouse/indoor gym was closed shortly after Harvey and will not be replaced until late 2025. Why does one of our main parks continue to suffer?” questions Gallegos.
In 2009, an African American research center was established with an estimated operational cost of $1 million. In contrast, the journey towards a Latino Research Center and Library has faced challenges. Limited updates on its status has left the Latino community questioning the city’s commitment to its cultural heritage. Similarly, efforts to digitize Latino and LULAC archives at the Houston Public Library encountered challenges, prompting calls for an oversight committee to ensure the preservation of these valuable historical records.
“Houston’s elected leadership can and must do better,” says Contreras. “Latinos will not settle for promises any longer. LULAC will monitor this administration closely and push for civil and silver rights for our community, too!” he adds.
Here in Houston, we have some of the weakest; I prefer ballless Latino leadership in probably all of the United States. When Whitmire said some derogatory things about the Gulfton Community (Latinos) who defended him? LULAC.
“I don’t think he intended for it to be insensitive,” Dr. Sergio Lira, president of the Houston-area League of United Latin Citizens, said. “But at the heat of the moment, he said something that can be construed as insensitive to folks — especially undocumented immigrants living in the Gulfton area.” Source
Whitmire got the endorsement of almost all the Latino leadership, but where are those Latinos that many thought were going to be appointed at the City?
Blacks have fought and deserve what they have here in Houston
Latinos, rather than keeping their hand out expecting “Limosna” as if we are still peons working as slaves for the white people, should study how the Black community assimilated power here in Houston. The Latino community was not always as such, back in the 60s and early 70s, we worked hard to get some power. Unfortunately the “Crab Mentality“, in us like to pull down those who could help us.
