National Hispanic Heritage Month

(September 15 to October 15)

Mayor Annise Parker, her Campaign Steering Committee and young professionals of Houston came together for an evening of celebration and good food at the world's famous Ninfa's Original restaurant within the shadows of downtown Houston on the eastside Monday evening. The celebration was to place attention on the valuable contributions and rich Hispanic Heritage here in Houston and throughout the Nation. Guests were to arrive at 5:30 PM but within 30 minutes the overcrowded dinning room was forced to be relieved so the outside patio was opened to handle the overflowing attendance. The event's invitation was to young professionals and Houstonians of all ages who have never had the opportunity to meet or talk with the Mayor to be given this chance, and talking they did for Mayor Parker made it her point to literally stroll the crowd and talk one on one to as many as there was who wanted to personally chat with a big city Mayor. To me this was one of the highlights to be able to see someone as busy as Houston's Mayor is to take the time from her busy schedule and to make herself available for all the individuals present as she did. As a former Mayor myself of even a small city I can tell you this can be time consuming but Parker did it and didn't rush in and out as so many times schedules forces one to have to do. I can safely say the Mayor set her schedule purposely to accommodate the Hispanic Community to let them know she truly values and cares for them. Victor M. Castillo one of the Hosts praised and thanked those who came before introducing Mayor Parker. The Mayor as always pleased the crowd with her kind words and let everyone know she's one to be counted on when there's a need of help from her. There seems to be a genuine mutual friendship and respect I can see between the Mayor and Houston's growing Hispanic Community. More than once words were spoken by some of the Hosts on the need for educating Houston's voting age Hispanics and to get them more active in the election process by voting. Monday's event was hosted by: Victor M. Castillo, Diana Espitia, Natali Lacasa, Jerry Peruchini, Erica R. Contreras, Silvia Mintz, Lauren Soliz, Michael Soliz, Jason & Sanjuanita Cisneroz, Tanya Makany-Rivera & Jose Rivera, Marissa Taler, Jon Paul Espinoza, Marlon & Erica Lacasa, and Hector A. Chavana Jr.

The Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA) received a donation (see below) from Mayor Parker. One of the evening speaker's spoke of all the good the AAMA is doing for Mexican Americans. Adding there's over 30,000 men, women and children being served and helped to advance their "at risk" lives though some 20 various programs. I took home some of the literature made available on the AAMA and after reading it and visiting their web site I can tell you I too will add this worthy organization on to my contribution list. Please visit the web site of the AAMA..... AAMA LINK ( HERE ) PLEASE READ BELOW THE PHOTOS MORE ABOUT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Annise Parker, Houston's Mayor pictured with Roy Mermen, (red cap) Precinct Chair #62 Ed Aberrant, Precinct Chair # 418.

On left: Judge Richard Vara, Justice of the Peace, for Harris County Precinct 6, Place 1. Judge Vara announced he'll be a candidate for re-election in 2012.

Left to right: #1. Linda Jamail, Community Liaison for State Representative Ana Hernandez Luna (District 143), #2. Attorney Barbara Gardner, President of the Harris County Chapter of the Texas Democratic Women & Democratic Party candidate for the 14th Court of Appeals, Place 3, #3. Attorney Nelson Ocampo #4. Judge Josefina M. Rendn165th Civil District Court and the first woman Civil Service Commissioner for the City of Houston.

Ninfa's Original on Navigation prepared delicious dips, sauces with chicken & beef quesidias for the evening celebrators.

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month This Year's Theme Many Backgrounds, Many StoriesOne American Spirit

About National Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Da de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Hispanic American Veterans:

Asked to serve their country in time of war, Hispanic Americans displayed courage and valor in the face of adversity. Familiar with discrimination back home, many saw their service as affirming the ideals of democracy. In this presentation, the Veterans History Project recounts their inspirational stories. Just a fraction of the great contributions Hispanics have made for America can be seen by clicking on this link ( HERE )

Anthony Acevedo: A Mexican American US Army veteran of WWII:

Acevedo, a medic with the US Army's 70th Infantry Division during World War II, was captured by the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge and became a prisoner of war. He and several hundred fellow soldiers were transferred to Berga am Elster, a section of Buchenwald concentration camp. SEE THIS YOU TUBE VIDEO CLICK ( HERE )

Photos & Report compliments of Allan R. Jamail Senatorial District 6 - - (SDEC) Texas State Democratic Executive Committeeman 50 year proud member of the AFL-CIO.

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