La Raza Unida Party Reunion July 6th & 7th 2012 Austin, Texas
Cover photo by Alan Pogue Page 2 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012
Juan, Martha y Marí Eugenia Cotera Familia Zamora-Valenzuela SALUDAN Emilio, Angela, Clara, Luz, a todos sus compañeros de la Raza Felix, Feliciano Salute all those who are coming to the reunion Julio 6-7, 2012 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 3 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Table of Contents
Editorial ...... 4
La Raza Unida Reunion Program . . 6 & 7
Un Breve Historia del Partido de La Raza Unida . . . . . 10,11,12
Cometarios de los estaba allí . . . 14 & 15
Memorial Page ...... 17
Special Recognition para Little Joe y La Familia ...... 18
Texas Population Overview . . . . 20 & 21
Lista de los candidatos del partido ...... 24 & 37
Planning Committee ...... 39 Page 4 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 ¿Quién Son? Who are they? PRODUCTION La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 5 PRODUCTION Editor & Publisher What Happened to Us? AlfredoEditor Santos c/s Editorial Alfredo Santos c/s Managing Editors Pus ya llego el dia. Aquí estamos en otra reunion de activistas. Some of you may have attended the 20th ContributingYleana Santos Writers Kaitlyn Theiss year anniversary in 1989 en San Antonio, Texas. Pablo Avila Tal vez otras fueron al reunion en Dallas, Texas en Modesta Treviño Graphics 2009. De todas maneras, it is great to see everyone MarthaJuan Cotera Gallo here in Austin, Texas. Maria Elena Martinez LindaDistribution Del Toro While some have been calling this reunion “el ErnestoEl TCalderoneam utlimo adios,” otros estan diciendo que “la revolución no ha terminado.” Yes, it is true we have Ruby T. Calderon Contributing Writers not seen the kind of activity that once had us in front Alfredo R. Santos c/s Ricardo Chavira of TV cameras and on the front page of newspapers Planning Committee AlmaW Vaynealdez in the 1960s and 1970s. And yes, many of us have La Raza Unida Party Reunion Dr.Hector Emilio TijerinaZamora reduced our profile to raise families, earn a living or Austin, Texas Marisa Cano focus on a career. PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT But there are still some of us, who like that Japanese soldier at the end of World War II, PUBLISHER’S who have refused to give up or stop being activists. Some of us, like the Japanese La RazaSTA UnidaTEMENT Party Re- soldier, have not heard the news that the war is over. Seguimos peleando la causa. ¿ union program book is Por qué?¿Qué fue la causa? workLa Voz in de progress Austin is ina monthly that publication. The editorial and we are still looking for all hen we look around us, we still see the same poverty, injustice, discrimination and business address is P.O. Box W the names of those who 19457 Austin, Texas 78760. bad education that we once stood up and denounced. Granted it, it is not the same ran for elective office bajo The telephone number is (512) people who are poor today. But what is the same is the injustice, discrimination and the el nombre del partido. 944-4123. The use, reproduc- bad education. 40 years ago the high school dropout rate for Chicanos was terrible! Readers are encouraged tion or distribution of any or Today the dropout rate hovers around 40%. Is that terrible? topart contact of this the publication staff with is namesstrongly encouraged.and leads Buton do While it is true that more and more Latinos are going to college and becoming profes- peoplecall and wholet us should know what be in- you sionals, it is also true that more and more Latinos are leaving school, filling the prisons cludedare using. in anLetters official to the list editor of and jails and stuck in poor paying jobs. Where is the outrage? Where is the coraje that allare those most welcome. who were Raza once led us to fill the streets with protest signs and gritos? Unida Party candidates. The contact information is What has changed? Did we, who were once the proud Chicano activists change? Or Alfredo Santos c/s P.O. did society change? Does history truly move in cycles and thus the activism that we were Box 19457 Austin, Texas once were a part of in the 1970s something that shall return at a future date? 78760. The telephone number is (512) 944-4123. I am sure there are many here today who ponder these questions often. I am sure there are those who still struggle with how far to push the envelope in their respective cities Por cualquier and town today. While this event here in Austin, Texas is a reunion, I am sure there are pregunta, those who will be exploring and listening to see how others feel about the times in which llamanos: we are living. And the age old question of what is one willing to do will be raised again because there are still some Japanese soldiers still out there. (512) 944-4123 www.larazaunidapartyreunion.org Page 6 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program
FRIDAY July 6th, 2012
Noon Registration opens at noon at Mexitas Restaurant
(12th and IH-35 in Austin, Texas)
Early arrivals can pick up their name tags and program booklet
Exhibits open / informal platicas Interview booths are open for oral history
1:00pm Screening of Movie “Chicano” in East part of room
6:00pm Social and Visiting in the Restaurant (dinner is on your own)
SATURDAY July 7th, 2012
8:00am Café y pan dulce in the restaurant Exhibits open in the Bingo Hall
8:30am Invocation Rev. Dr. Jayme Mathias
9:00am Welcome/Program Review Luz Bazan Gutierrez
9:20am Introductory Speaker Maria Elena Martinez ¿Por Qué Estamos Aquí? One time Texas State Chair of LRUP
9:45 am Words from Luis Diaz de Leon – Candidate for United States Senate under La Raza Unida Party in 1978 (Linda del Toro will escort him to the stage) ¿Por qué me vine a este reunion.?
9:55 am Recognition of who is in the house by city/county/region of state
10:55am Update on who is not here Reading of the Names of those activists who have passed on Linda del Toro
11:10 am Presentation and update on the case of Ramiro “Ramsey” Muñiz Irma Muñiz
11:30:am First guest speaker – Dr. Armando Navarro Professor at the University of California Riverside, author of several books on La Raza Unida Party and activist desde hace muchos años
12:00pm BREAK for lunch
Introduction of Special Guest Pablo Avila
Special Announcements Luz Bazan Gutierrez La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 7 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program
SATURDAY July 7th, 2012
1:00 pm Reflejo Panel – theme: “Lo que hicimos y como nos fue, a personal perspective”
PANELISTS
Roberto Villarreal Raza Unida Party Activist from Rivera, Texas
Martha Cotera Candidate for Board of Education LRUP
Mario Compean Candidate for Governor of Texas LRUP
Maria Jiménez Candidate for Texas State Rep. LRUP
Pablo Avila Former Zavala County Judge
2:00 pm Open Microphone Questions and Comments from the audience Luz Bazan Gutierrez moderator
2:30 pm ¿Y ahora qué? Move to Breakout Sessions - This is an opportunity for smaller and more focused conversations about future directions
La Poltica de Hoy Mario Compean
The State of Education in Texas – What has changed? Jaime Puente
Mujeres de la Raza – The untold stories Martha Cotera
The “Dream Students: the new activists?” Montserrat Garibay
50 million Mestizos y qué? Lorenzo Cano
School Walkouts – How many were there? Alfredo R. Santos c/s
Community Newspapers, Social Media and staying in touch Ernesto Fraga
The Case of Ramsey Muñiz Irma Muñiz
The Future of Chicano Studies/Mexican American Studies Dr. Beto Calderon
Prospects for the Rise of a New Raza Unida Party Dr. Armando Navarro
Art in the Community and the Cause Raul Valdez
3:30 pm Reconvene and Brief Reports from each session Dr. Emilio Zamora
4:15pm Closing remarks Avina Gutierrez
4:30 pm End of formal part of reunion. Closing of interview booths and exhibits Page 8 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Libros del Movimiento
by Dr. Armando Navarro by Dr. Carlos Muñoz by Dr. Ignacio M. Garcia
by Dr. Armando Navarro by Dr. Ignacio M. Garcia by Yolanda Alaniz and Megan Cornish La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 9
There will be a special presentation and up- date on Ramsey Muñiz case at the re- union. In the afternoon there will be a breakout session for those wish- ing more information about how to help Irma Muñiz secure his free- dom.
Maria Elena Martinez Page 10 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012
by Teresa Palomo Acosta El Partido de La Raza Unida The Raza Unida Party was In October 1971, RUP held its established on January 17, state convention in San 1970, at a meeting of 300 Antonio and voted to organize Mexican Americans at at the state level over the Campestre Hall in Crystal City, objections of Gutiérrez, who Texas. José Ángel Gutiérrez believed that the party should and Mario Compean, who had strengthen its rural standing helped found MAYO (the rather than expend its energy Mexican American Youth on a state party. Compean Organization) in 1967, were two rallied enough support for a of its principal organizers. state organization on the grounds that it would give a In December 1969, at the first boost to the Chicano and only national MAYO movement in Texas and repeat meeting, Chicano activists had the success it had attained in endorsed the formation of a Crystal City throughout Texas. third party, an idea that Gutiérrez had proposed in RUP sought a establishing MAYO. After RUP candidate for the 1972 filed for party status in Zavala, gubernatorial election, ABOVE: Jose Angel Guiterrez speaking in Lubbock, La Salle, and Dimmit counties first calling upon such in January 1970, it began its well-known Democrats four she was too young to take The party, which had spread eight-year quest to bring greater the office constitutionally. to many other states, held its economic, social, and political With the state party apparatus first national conference in El self-determination to Mexican in place, RUP sought a Her presence on the RUP Paso on September 1–4, 1972. Americans in the state, candidate for the 1972 slate was considered a sign About half of the estimated especially in South Texas, gubernatorial election, first that women had a crucial role 1,500 participants were where they held little or no calling upon such well-known in the party. Although they women, and a large number of power in many local or county Democrats as state senator seemed an unusual match, elderly people also attended. jurisdictions although they were Carlos Truán, Hector García the two resembled many of the The delegates formed the often in the majority. (founder of the American G.I. RUP rank and file, who were Congreso de Aztlán to run the qv Forum ), and state senator Joe young and university educated. national party and elected Membership in the party was Bernal. All refused to run for the Like others in the party, they had Gutiérrez as RUP national open to anyone who was position. The party finally found also been members of MAYO. chairman. Despite his standing committed to RUP’s goals. The a candidate in Ramsey Muñiz, Besides Muñiz and Canales, as the party’s chief political party fielded candidates for a lawyer and administrator with RUP ran candidates for nine candidate, Muñiz was not much nonpartisan city council and the Waco Model Cities other state offices, including heeded. As a result, he left the school board races the Program. Alma Canales of member of the Railroad gathering early to campaign in following April in Crystal City, Edinburg, who had been a Commission, state treasurer, the governor’s race. Cotulla, and Carrizo Springs farmworker and journalism and member of the State and won a total of fifteen seats, student at Pan American Board of Education. RUP The RUP platform that Muñiz including two city council University, became the RUP candidates also ran for local put before voters, while majorities, two school board candidate for lieutenant posts in Hidalgo, Starr, emphasizing Mexican- majorities, and two governor, although at twenty- Victoria, McLennan, and other American community control, mayoralties. counties. bilingual education, and La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 11 El Partido de La Raza Unida
women’s and workers’ rights, Muñiz won heavily in some bore similarity to the values South Texas counties and had espoused by the liberal faction a decent turnout in large cities. of the state Democratic party, Over the next two years RUP which supported Frances solidified its South Texas rural (Sissy) Farenthold for the base and racked up more party’s gubernatorial nonpartisan victories in the nomination. Winter Garden Region. It also achieved political successes in Muñiz won 6 percent Kyle and Lockhart. Its urban (214,149) of the votes support, though quite strong in the November among university activists and election, thus reducing barrio youth and politicians, Briscoe’s margin remained small. This ultimately hurt the party’s future, since In spite of this, Muñiz did not many Hispanics lived in the receive strong support from state’s major urban areas and liberals. Ultimately, even their support of RUP was Farenthold endorsed Dolph necessary for the party to have Briscoe, to whom she had lost a larger political impact. the nomination, although she had once referred to him as “a In 1974, RUP was ready for bowl of pablum.” Muñiz won 6 another try at the governor’s percent (214,149) of the votes race, with Muñiz once again its in the November election, thus candidate. The party also ran a reducing Briscoe’s margin of slate of fourteen men and two victory so that the race was the women for state representative first in the twentieth century in from Lubbock, Houston, San which a Texas governor was Antonio, Austin, Falfurrias, elected with less than a majority. Crystal City, and other cities. As in the 1972 election, the RUP ABOVE: Irma Mireles speaking in Hondo, Texas campaign transportation, improved literature the few” and the need to funding of public education, emphasized preserve “human and natural better medical care, and the party’s resources.” In addition, it called solutions to urban problems. Chicano for the prosecution of industrial foundation; polluters. But RUP did not fare well in but it also In his announcement for the the 1974 general election. asserted a governor’s race on January 16, Muñiz got only 190,000 votes desire to 1974, Muñiz sought to and posed no real threat to “ensure maximize the party’s appeal to Briscoe’s reelection. In democracy a broader spectrum of the for [the] state’s voters, stressing RUP’s Continued on page 12 many, not ideas for new modes of Page 12 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 addition, none of the sixteen candidates for the state House garnered enough support to win. The party’s sole real victories were in Crystal City, where cofounder Gutiérrez was elected as Zavala county judge and the party successfully defended its dominance of other county offices. Nonetheless, by its numerous victories in South Texas, RUP had achieved Mexican-American political dominance in some cities and altered the state’s political life.
Several Mexican-American women were significant participants at the state and national level. Evey Chapa, for instance, ensured that RUP’s state executive committee provide for a female member; Virginia Múzquiz headed the RUP nationally from 1972 to ABOVE: Mario Compean speaking at a house meeting in Uvalde, Texas in 1978 1974; and María Elena Martínez served as the last Perhaps two of the biggest moment in Mexican-American do the same for Mexican head of the party in Texas from blows to party morale were the history in the state. Writing in Americans in the 1970s. 1976 to 1978. Likewise, Evey arrests in July and November 1978 in The Tejano Yearbook: Chapa, Ino Alvárez, and Martha 1976 of former RUP 1519–1978, Philip Ortega y BIBLIOGRAPHY: Cotera have been credited with gubernatorial candidate Gasca and Arnoldo De León Ignacio M. Garcia, United We organizing Mujeres Por La Ramsey Muñiz on drug noted that the establishment of Win: The Rise and Fall of La Raza, the women’s caucus charges. He pled guilty to one RUP in the 1930s would have Raza Unida Party (Tucson: within RUP. count and was sentenced to been “premature” because University of Arizona Mexican fifteen years. The party was violence was still a common American Studies Research In the four years after the 1974 considerably weakened as it response to Texas Mexicans’ Center, 1989). José Ángel election, RUP’s fortunes entered the final and fatal 1978 political ambitions. Gutiérrez Papers, Benson diminished, with activism election, when RUP Latin American Collection, slowing except in some gubernatorial candidate Mario Nevertheless, the authors also University of Texas at Austin. enclaves in South Texas. Even Compean won only 15,000 argue that RUP was neither a Raza Unida Party Collection, in Crystal City, its bedrock, RUP votes. new phenomenon nor a “radical” Benson Latin American lost control in 1977. The party one but a continuation of Tejano Collection, University of Texas also suffered losses in its At the election-day fiasco in political initiatives. Nineteenth- at Austin. membership, and some of its 1978, RUP lost state funds for century Tejanos had formed original leaders, including its primary and was effectively various movements, such as Teresa Palomo Acosta Willie Velásquez, allied eliminated as a party. Some Botas and Guaraches and themselves with new political historians have stated that RUP, special benevolent initiatives, such as the Mexican with its various successes and associations, to defend their American Democrats. failures, came at the right interests. RUP was intended to La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 13 Collage of Clippings Page 14 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Commentary from those who were there
Rogelio Smiley Rojas Moctezuma from TERESA GARCIA, FRED VUITTONET, ROY activity and it was from here that he filed San Antonio, Texas: MARTINEZ, ALBERTO ALMANZA, SRA. for Governor under the Raza Unida “Estimado Alfredo, Count me in!” MARIA SILVIA, FRANK SILVA, JAIME banner. [email protected] DIAZ,NOE DIAZ,& ARMANDO DIAZ & 210-260-5550 “One attending and I will CONRADO GARZA,THE RUP COUNTY I was the first State Treasurer for the send a check.” CHAIRMAN AT THAT TIME. party. Our organizing activity untilmately covered most of the state. Certainly, the I WAS ELECTED RUP COUNTY Raza Unida campaign took us North Roberto Pachecano writes: SECRETARY IN 1972. IN 1973 I (Corsicana, Ft. Worth, and Dallas, “I participated in the movement as an WAS ELECTED RUP CAMERON COUNTY east(Marlin, College Station, and activist, poll worker, and straight ticket CHAIRMAN AND SUPERVISED THE RUP Houston and west (San Angelo and voter. The establishment gave me no COUNTY ELECTION IN CAMERON Lubbock) of Waco. choice but to denounce it; I still do!” COUNTY. During the 1972 campaign, it was our Raza Unida Party Precinct 215, Bexar IN 1973, MYSELF & JUAN GARCIA & responsibility to maintain a state County, Texas, Ms. Carolina Piña- ANSELMO GARZA WERE CANDIDATES headquarters for the Ramsey Muniz Precinct Judge. In memory of Mary FOR THE CITY COMMISSIONERS IN campaign, which we did. It was located Elizabeth Ladd (La Ladd). HARLINGEN,TX. WE RAN AS A RUP at 13th & Clay Avenue. All of our SLATE. WE DIDN’T WIN, BUT WE literature, bumper stickers, etc., came out RAISED ALOT OF HELL ON THE of this office. We were similarly involved Huey Rey Fischer writes: CONDITIONS OF ROADS IN THE AREA in the 1974 campaign but to a lesser 361.463.2085 WHERE MOSTLY LA RAZA LIVED. extict because the Muñiz campaign was [email protected] run out of San Antonio by then.” “Is there a way to pay online? Is this AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE CITY BUILT A event open to the public or only those TENNIS COURT AND A COUPLE OF Thank you, who were active in the LRUP in the 70s?” BASEBALL FIELDS BECAUSE IN ONE CITY MEETING, I TOLD THEM THAT WE Ernesto & Ruby T. Calderon ALSO PLAYED TENNIS & BASEBALL. ENRIQUE ‘KIKO’ SALAZAR from: THE PARK IS KNOWN AS VICTOR PARK 12766 VENICE BLVD. #2 IN THE WEST SIDE OF HARLINGEN ON VENICE BEACH, CA. 90066 HIGHWAY 77. U CAN’T MISS IT WHEN U Lorenzo Cano CELL: 310-433-0297 PASS THRU HARLINGEN. AS RUP (713)480-8358 cell EMAIL: [email protected] CHAIRMAN, WE MET WITH CITY Associate Director COMMISSIONERS AND SCHOOL Center for Mexican American Studies “ON JAN.1972, RAMSEY MUNIZ CAME TO BOARDS IN CAMERON COUNTY TO University of Houston SPEAK AT TEXAS SOUTHMOST BETTER LA RAZA. VIVA RAMIRO RAMSEY Houston, Texas 77204-3001 COLLEGE IN BROWNSVILLE, TX., MUNIZ. WHERE I WAS A STUDENT. I AGREED “I was a past-member of the Nueces WITH EVERYTHING HE SAID. BEING County and the Harris County Raza JUST OUT OF THE AIR FORCE, I KNEW Irma Mireles from San Antonio, Texas Unida Party” THERE WAS RACISM ALL OVER, Monday, 5/28/12, 3:44 PM EXPECIALLY IN TEXAS.
st ”Glad to see que las mujeres are main May 31 , 2012 I TRANSFERED TO SUL ROSS STATE speakers. Even though few of us ran for Alberto Luera (832) 459-9819 UNIVERSITY IN ALPINE,TX IN SEPT. 1972 office we were/are the backbone. More AND BECAME INVOLVED WITH THE RUP needs to be written about the role de la “Tony Bil worked was an activist in Jim THERE. MOSTLY WERE STUDENTS mujer dentro el Partido but of course we Wells County, He Inherited his father in FROM DEL RIO,TX. RAMSEY WENT TO have to be the ones to do it. Hope we can laws meat market (Dan’s Meat SPEAK THERE IN OCT.1972. I TOOK HIM do some of it at this reunion.” Processing Plant - Alice, Texas) Had a TO EL PASO,TX AND THERE I MET RUP reunion four years ago sponsored by MEMBERS. I LEFT TO HARLINGEN, MY Texas A&I University Married Diana HOME TOWN, AND ATTENDED PAN Franco Ph.DAnother activist is Rafael AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN JAN. 1973. Ernesto & Ruby T. Calderon from Austin, Trevino is with Community Action Texas Council in Alice, Texas both were MAYO I LEFT THERE IN THE SUMMER OF 1973 board members. Efrain Hernandez from AND ATTENDED COLIGIO JACINTO “Our activity centered around the Central Kingsville organizer. He has been TREVINO TILL SUMMER OF 1974. I GOT Texas Area. We organized McLennen teaching in Pharr San Juan School INVOLVED IN THE RUP THERE WITH County and surrounding communities. District” ANSELMO GARZA & RICARDO MOLINA, Ramsey Muñiz was working in Waco at ARTURO GARZA, JUAN GARCIA & the outset of Raza Unida organizing La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 15 Comentarios de los que estaban allí
6-4-2012 Today, I publish TIEMPO Newspaper (30 “I will be attend the reunion.” Irma Muniz (409) 363-1878 years since 1982) in Waco and serve as 5403 Everhart Rd. national Pubic Relations Chair for the Corpus Christi, TX 78411 National Free Ramsey Muniz 409-363-1878 Committee.” Clotilde’ Rea Sofikitis writes: [email protected] www.freeramsey.com ”La Revolucion no ha terminado!” “I grew up with Ramiro Ramsey Muñiz. www.freeramsey.blogspot.com He promised me he would help our www.studentsfreeramsey.blogspot.com Ernesto Fraga people as he saw us hungry, poor and sick and denied equality. He kept his word! I campaigned for him here in June 12, 2012 6/15/2012 Travis County. My family mostly in Nueces County. My mother Juanita Juan B. Garcia Richard Cortez ad Freddy Blanco from Perez Rea made thousands of tamales 101 S. 17 St. Houston, Texas write: “ We are coming ot for Ramsey. She would campaign and Donna,Tx.78537 the reunion. Alla nos vemos!” give people a tamale. Viva mi Madre! y VIVA MI RAZA UNIDA PARTIDO! I did not “My name is Juan Botello Garcia.I was a run for office. I was a young mother but I Raza Unida organizer, and one of the am Chicana proud til the end! three candidates that ran under La Raza Montserrat Garibay from Austin, Texas Unida banner in Harlingen City writes: Commission in December 11, 1973. “I am excited about the La Raza Party Reunion, specially since President Eliseo Solis, Josefina Solis We lost but we made the gringos waste Obama has granted administrative relief 1501 E 2nd St chingos de feria en la campana.Frist time to all DREAMERS. This is a small step Lubbock Texas, 79403 ever a three Chicano slate ran against but I am hopeful that we are going in the 806-224-6533-Eliseo los gringos.The other two were Enrique right direction. I will try to make it on 210-867-1048-Josefina “Kiko” Salazar Raza Unida County Wednesday. I have a conference in San Party chairman and Anselmo Treto Marcos from Tuesday to Friday. “ “We are coming to the reunion in Austin.” Garza Raza Unida Party organizer.”
Luis Guerra from San Luis Potosi, Elaine Schele, PhD Mexico writes: Ernesto Fraga from Waco, Texas writes: Adjunct Assistant Professor Art Department My Raza Unida Days Hola companeros, Austin Community College I became involved with Raza Unida when “My initial work with Raza Unida began Dear Mr. Santos, Ramsey Muñiz ran for governor. Carlos with MAYO in Waco. Along with Ramsey Guerra, his campaign manager, had Muniz and eventual former Mayor of “I just heard about the Reunion and I am seen a Chicano magazine I had Waco Rolando Arriola, I helped to wondering if I might attend. I am not a designed, and asked me to do their establish the MAYO newspaper “El member of the party, but I have a great graphics. I also did work for Armando Golpe Avisa” and later established “El interest in Mexican-American history and Gutiérrez’s campaign for state rep. We’d Coraje Chicano.” Other Chicano would love to attend this historic event.” have silk-screening parties where gente Newspapers with which I collaborated would pitch in to print posters. It was a with were “Regeneracion II” in San Juan, Thank you, time of working together and helping Texas and “La Conciencia” in Austin. Elaine Schele, PhD each other out. While in Austin, I was campaign chairman for Juan Hipolito, who ran for I remember borrowing Linda del Travis County Treasurer. Other efforts ANTONIO RIOS JR. from Crystal City, Toro’s Volkswagen bug: my truck had included Brown Beret organizing and Texas states: Two of us will be attending broken down, I had no money, and I had more recently, Committee for the the Reunion in Austin, Texas to get to the radio stations. We also Defense of Latino Immigrants relating to painted a huge Ramsey Muñiz banner, Immigration reform and the abolishment wrapped it around a hot-air balloon, and of Detention Centers. Max Krochmal, Ph.D. flew it over the Austin barrios on election Department of History day. It was a beautiful sight! Texas Christian University TCU Box 297260 2850 S. University Dr Continued on page 16 Fort Worth, TX 76129 Page 16 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Comentarios (continued)
María Elena Martínez told me later that teachers in East Austin had taken their students out for recess just as the balloon passed over the schoolyard. Some time later, thanks to Marta Cotera, all the campaign artwork became part of the Latin American Collection at UT Austin.
After the elections, the energy was undiminished. The Austin contingent went on to open a food cooperative, and we even tried Bidal Aguero Lubbock communal gardens. It was a time of restored pride in our heritage. I went on to do poster art for the Texas Farmworkers’ March to Mr. & Mrs. Albino Santos Crystal City Washington. Francisco Alcala Crystal City The Farmworkers had their own reunion recently, in San Juan. It was wonderful to visit with them, and I’m looking forward to the Raza Oralia Alvarado Crystal City Unida Reunion. The Chicano Movement helped to create a newfound respect for the indios de América. I had always felt that this land I was born in had much to teach and that its natives Maria Alvarado Crystal City possessed a treasure trove of ancient knowledge and wisdom. Erasamo Andrade All over In the 80s, I moved to a small town, Real de Catorce, in the mountains of San Luis Potosí, a sacred site of the Huichol Olivia Avila Crystal City Indians. After observing their lifestyle and participating in their ceremonies, I realized that theirs is a true civilization, in deep Luis Avila Crystal City harmony with the Earth. And this is so, for all indigenous nations that honor the Earth and themselves. Francisco Benavidez Crystal City
I continue to paint. For some years now, I’ve also been telling Stephen Casanova San Antonio my stories about life in Mexico on NPR’s Latino USA. I’ve also been writing screenplays with my brother Victor; we’re currently Elva Castillo Crystal City working on our third one.”www.GaleriaGuerra.com Pepa Coronado Crystal City
Javier H. Salinas Guadalupe Cortinas Crystal City 7125 Bending Oak Road Austin, Texas 78749 Manuel Cortinas, Jr. Crystal City 512.699.5933 Carmen Cuevas Crystal City [email protected] writes: Irene Cuellar Batesville I was born and raised in Pearsall, Texas. My parents, Alfredo and Alma Salinas were involved with La Raza Unida Party along Ramoncito De La Fuente Crystal City with the Rodriquez, Yanez, and other families. Ramon De La Fuente Crystal City As a kid, I remember participating in parades put on to raise awareness about voting and the Raza Unida Party. We would Elena Diaz Crystal City dress up in traditional Mexican outfits, sit on top of a zarape that was carefully placed on top of a car and ride around the streets Marcos Esquivel Carrizo Springs of Pearsall. Rodolfo Espinoza, Sr. Crystal City All of this was done on the Mexican side of the tracks. Getting out the vote was the desired outcome. I remember there was Maria Facio Crystal City tension not only between the anglos and those promoting the Raza Unida movement but also among the Mexican Americans Mague Coronado Flores Crystal City in Pearsall. It was a town divided, The Raza Unida did affect change in Pearsall giving a voice to many that could no longer Zulema Flores Crystal City remain silent. La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 17 Memorial Page All of the individuals below gave their time, efforts, y a veces su dinero, to make the dream of La Raza Unida Party a reality. They were not afraid to stand up and not afraid of what othes said or thought. They believed in their heart that people needed to stand up and be counted. Qué en paz descansen. Doña Elvirita de la Fuente Crystal City Enriqueta Palacios Crystal City
Jesse Gamez Crystal City Manuel Palacios Crystal City & San Antonio Olivia Perez Crystal City Roberto Gamez Crystal City Lidia Perez Crystal City Angel Gonzales Crystal City Francisco Prado Batesville Carlos Guerra Robstown & San Antonio Rosario Puente Crystal City
Amador Guerrero Crystal City Pablo Puente Crystal City
Anita Hernandez Crystal City Carlos A. Quirino, Sr. Lubbock
Nacho Hernandez Crystal City Manuel Reyes San Antono
Octaviano Hernandez Crystal City Francisco “Panchillo” Rodriguez Crystal City
Alfredo Limon San Antonio Fr. Manuel Roman, OFM. Uvalde and San Antonio Sara Lopez Crystal City Eliseo Sanchez Crystal City Richard Lopez Crystal City and Stockton, California Ruben Sandoval San Antonio
Marilu Masignani Crystal City Julian Salas Crystal City
Guadalupe Mata Crystal City Manuel Salas, Sr. Crystal City
Higinio Mata Crystal City Juanita Santos Crystal City
Ramon “Monche” Mata Crystal City Olivia Serna Crystal City
Eulogia Mena Crystal City Mague Serna Crystal City
Olga Mena Crystal City Josefa Torres Crystal City
David Mendoza Crystal City Jose Angel Torres Crystal City
Reynaldo Mendoza Crystal City Rudy Torres Crystal City
Jose Montalvo San Antonio Romula Villalobos Crystal City
Virginia Muzquiz Crystal City Jesus Villalobos Crystal City
Estevan Najera, Sr. La Pryor Rita Yanas Crystal City Page 18 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 MARIA ELENA MARTINEZ-RUP Planning Committee Member reflects:
“During the years that La Raza Unida Party was politically active, Little Joe was one of its strongest public supporters. During Raza Unida’s gubernatorial campaign, I and other RUP supporters would show up at events throughout Texas where Little Joe y La Familia was performing. Little Joe would let us set up a RUP table at his shows, where we were allowed to politic and to register voters. Later during the show he would always call us up to the stage and introduce us to the crowds. He would wear Raza Unida buttons and would encourage others to do so. And in the end of the shows, he would always play and dedicate “Las Nubes” to Ramsey Muniz. Little Joe has always been politically astute. He clearly understands all of the political and Chicano issues. One could tell that his support for La Raza Unida Party came from his heart. He was not afraid to speak out against police brutality and other similar issues. And to date he has not remained quiet about issues affecting “Nuestra Gente.”
Maria Elena Martienz, Little Joe and José Angel Gutierrez Little Joe in Berkeley, California, 1973 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 19 SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO LITTLE JOE
JOSE MARIA DE LEON HERNANDEZ AKA LITTLE JOE: “La Raza Unida Party made nuestra gente politically wise, and more willing to act on issues we were previously afraid to confront. It certainly was a rude awakening. It made it possible for other Chicanos to eventually get elected. It’s a fact that Raza Unida was a SRINGBOARD. It’s also a fact that Raza Unida changed the political landscape, not just in Texas, but nationwide. Unknowingly, many of the past and present officeholders owe some gratitude to La Raza Unida Party.” Page 20 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 How has the Hispanic/Latino Population Changed over the Years in Texas? Demographic Shifts DID YOU KNOW? In 1970, the Hispanic population in There is a lot of speculation about what Texas was almost 2 million. In 1980, it With the 2010 count completed, the a continued growth of the Hispanic climbed to almost 4 million. This was Hispanic population is now approaching population might mean for the United also the year that the tem “Hispanic” 10 million people in the State of Texas. States. But as of recent, there has been became official label for people with last a reported decrease in the number of names like Hernandez, Garcia and What does that mean? Why is it people trying to come across the border. Soto. important? Some people say that it And in some states where strict anti- represents a coming political power. immigrant laws have been passed, there As you examine the table below you Others say that it represents a has been an exodus of Hispanics who will see that the Hispanic popuation more tremendous workforce pool from which have gone in search of work somewhere than doubled by the 1990 Census. In to draw laborers. And still others say that elelse. What the growth of the Hispanic 2000, the growth curtailed a bit with a the continued growth of the Hispanic population means will continue to be count of 6.6 million people más o menos. population means nothing if as a group debated over the years. they do not turn out to vote.
Texas Population Growth from 1970 to 2010 YEARS
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
White 9,717,128 11,198,441 12,774,762 14,799,505 17,701,552
African American 1,399,005 1,710,175 2,021,632 2,404,566 2,979,598
American Indian or Alaskan Native 17,957 40,075 65,877 118,362 170,972
Asian 20,641 120,313 319,459 562,319 964.596
Native Hawaii or Pacific Islander 14,434 21,656
Some other race 41,999 1,160,187 1,804,780 2,438,001 2,628,186
Two or more races N/A N/A N/A 514,633 697,001
Hispanic/Latino 1,981,861 2,985,824 4,339,905 6,669,666 9,460,921
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 21 ¿Cómo ha cambiado la población Hispana en Tejas a travez de los años?
Future Projections Texas Population Growth, 1980–2040
The Texas Data Center and the Office of the State Population projections, in millions Demographer project that the state’s population will increase by 71.5 percent between 2000 and 2040, from 20.9 million to 35.8 million.The 2040 projected population of 35.8 million is a 151 percent increase from the 1980 population of 14.2 million.
By 2040, the Texas state demographer projects that the share of the population aged 65 or older in Texas will nearly double, to 18.0 percent. Nationally, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that Americans aged 65 or older will comprise 20.4 percent of the population.
By 2020, the Texas Hispanic population is expected to outnumber the White population (Exhibit 8). Between 2000 and 2040 the Hispanic population will triple in Texas’ urban areas, from 5.9 million to 17.2 million. In rural areas, the Hispanic population is expected to double, from 777,000 to 1.6 million. In 1980, the Hispanic population of Texas was just under 3 million. By 2040, there will be 18.8 million Hispanics in Texas.
This projection indicates that the Hispanic population will grow by 530 percent from 1980 to 2040. These changes are being driven both by high immigration rates and high birth rates. According to the state’s demographer, from 1980 to 2040, the White population of Texas will grow from 9.4 million to 11.5 million. The percentage of Whites will sharply decrease, from 66 percent in 1980 to only 32 percent in 2040. The Black population of Texas will grow from 1.7 million in 1980 to 3.4 million in 2040. The percentage of Blacks will decrease slightly from 12 percent in 1980 to 10 percent in 2040. Page 22 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012
De parte de mi familia y mis amigos en Cristal donde yo nací, quiero felicitar a todos los que asistieán a la reunión de la Raza Unida en Austin, Texas.
The Law Offices of Roberto R. Alonzo 400 S Zang Blvd # 810 Dallas, TX 75208-6643 (214) 941-8200 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 23 Texas Counties Where La Raza Unida Party Ran or Supported Candidates Locally
On the following pages are the candidates who ran under the banner of La Raza Unida Party or with the support of the party. The list is a work in progress in that more information needs to be added to it to make it complete.
Bexar Brewster Caldwell Cameron Dimmit El Paso Hays Harris Hidalgo La Salle Lubbock Mclennan Nueces Reeves Travis If anyone has information on candidates who ran as Raza Unida or were sup- Zavala ported by Raza Unida, let us know. Some claim that there was Raza Unida activity in over 40 Texas counties. Page 24 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 1970
LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
April 4, 1970 Elections
Jose Angel Gutierrez Crystal City School Board 1,344 E.W. Ritchie 1,119
Arturo Gonzales Crystal City School Board 1,344 Rafael Tovar 1,090
Mike Perez Crystal City School Board 1,397 Luz Arcos 1,081 April 7th, 1970 Election
Ventura Gonzalez Crystal City Council 1,341 Emmett Sevilla 835
Pablo Puente Crystal City Council 1,306 Charlie Crawford 820
November Elections
Julian Salas Zavala County Judge 925 1,502
Carmen Flores Zavala County Treasurer 811 All La Raza Unida 1,496 Isaac Juarez Zavala County Clerk 776 Party candidates ran 1,502 as write-in candi- Ramon de la Fuente Zavala Co. Comm. Prec. # 2 528 774 dates and all lost Esteban Najera Zavala Co. Comm. Prec. # 4 97 234
Jose Serna Zavala Co. Comm. Precinct # 3 288 346
Manuel Palacios Justice of the Peace Precinct # 2 524 804
Pedro Contreras Justice of the Peace Precinct # 3 La Salle County La Salle County
Alfredo Zamora, Jr. Mayor of Cotulla 587 Paul Cotulla 584
Enrique Jimenez City Council 636 Claude Franklin, Jr. 493
George Carpenter, Sr. City Council 667 Ray Kreck 439
Alfredo Ramirez City Council 530 Arthur Hill 575
Reynaldo Garcia School Board 667 Chester Bell, Jr. 536
Rogelio Maldonado School Board 693 F. D. Henrichman 524
November Elections
Roel Rodriguez Co Comm. Prct. # 3 (Ran a write-in campaign and won) La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 25
1970 (continued)
LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Dimmit County
Rufino Cabello Mayor Carrizo Springs 711 Joe Schmitt 470
Jesus Rodriguez City Council 639 Eddie Leonard 423
(Later both switched to independents) Hidalgo County
????? ONE CANDIDATE and he lost
1971
LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
School board elections held on April 3, 1971
Rudy Palomo School Board 1,657 Teodoro Muñoz 1,236
Eddie Treviño School Board 1,688 Alma Ramon 1,218
City Council elections held on April 6, 1971
Better Gov Slate Independents
Jose Talamantez City Council 1,622 Paulino Mata 911 Roberto Cornejo 40
Roberto Gamez City Council 1,626 Santos Nieto 891 Ralph Garcia 4
Frank Benevides City Council 1,649 Gilberto Salazar 890 Marina Garcia 4 Page 26 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 1972
LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County School board Elections held on April 1, 1972
Jose Mata School Board 1,707 Julian Saldivar 845
Alberto Sanchez School Board 1,727 Emmett Sevilla 840
Ester Ynoscencio 69
City Council Elections held on April 4, 1972
Ventura Gonzalez City Council 1,745 Hector Ramon 517
Pablo Puente City Council 1,741 Eusevio Salinas 552
General Election in November
Ray Perez County Judge 1,949 R. A. Taylor 912
Jose Serna Sheriff 2,005 C. L. Sweeten 1,883
Elena Diaz County Comm Pct 3 403 Santos Nieto 303
Rudy Espinoza, Jr. JP Precinct # 2 557 548
Moses Garcia JP Precinct # 3 487 No oppoent
A.G. Bermea County Tax Assessor 1,871 Martha Cruz 2,026
Juan Guzman County Com Pct 1 338 Felipe Torres 466
Hector Mata Constable Pct 1 351 M. L. Blackman 404
Antonio Rios Constable Pct 4 593 Lonzo Bostic 628
Statewide General Election
Flores Amaya United States Senate 41,946
Alma Canales Lt. Governor 88,811 All La Raza Unida Party candidates who ran state- Fred Garza, Jr. Rail Road Commissioner 106,397 wide lost.
Ramsey Muñiz Governor 214,118
Ruben Solis, Jr. State Treasurer 83,799 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 27 1973
LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County Crystal City Council Elections held April 3, 1973
Ramon “Monche” Mata City Council 1,542 Eliseo Sanchez 1,024
Jose D. Cuevas City Council 1,543 Roberto Cornejo 990
Richard Diaz City Council 1,526 Martha Garza 991
Crystal City School Board Elections held on April 7, 1973
Ernesto Olguin School Board 1,657 Mike Perez 1,223
Viviana Santiago School Board 1,642 Jose R. Mata 1,205
Ramon Garza School Board 1,661 Elfego Martinez 1,201
Hays County
Hector Chavana San Marcos City Council Bill Dibre Place # 6 Herb Yarbrough
Daniel De Leon City Marshall
Andres Gamez City Council
Geronimo Flores School Board Place # 1
Phil Waters School Board Place # 2
Caldwell County
Bernardo Rangel City Commissioner Place 4
David Serrato City Commissioner Place 4
Jim Hogg County
Juan Cantu Hebbronville ISD Pct. # 4 ?
There is a Nueces County LRUP active in 1973. Andres Hinojosa was the LRUP Chair in Jim Hogg County Page 28 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012
That young man at the top of the opposite page was me way back in 1973. Although the years have passed, I remain the same man in spirit and determination. I want to wish everyone a great reunion in Austin, Texas!
The Law Offices of Hector Chavana
2702 Little York Rd. Houston, TX 77093 (713) 236-9900 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 29
SOURCE: This page was taken from the March 30th, 2012 of the Chicano Times Volume IV Number 13, which was published in San Antonio, Texas. Jose Luis Rodriguez was the editor. Page 30 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 1974 LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes
Harris County Raza Unida Primary Election
Maria Jimenez State Representative District # 87 69
Victor Vega State Representative District # 97 34
Ruben Rabago State Representative Disrict # 79 28
Tatcho Mindiola RUP County Chairman 235
General Election
Ruben Rabago State Representative District # 79 305 (3.9%)
Victor Vega State Representative District # 97 335 (3.45%) All candidates lost
Maria Jimenez State Representative District # 87 970 (17.2%)
Fred Garza, Jr. Rail Road Commissioner 9,787 (in Travis County)
Ramsey Muniz Governor 190,000
Travis County
General Election
Raymond Donley Jr. Comm. Pre # 4 1,022 All Oralia Cole State Representative 2,365 candidates lost Armando Gutierrez State Representative 37 Pl 4 2,404
Juan Hipolito Treasurer 9,713
Paz Peña State Representative 37 Pl 1 3,703
Jose Torres County School Superintendent 11,774
Mailing Address: E-mail: [email protected] Workers Defense Project Phone: (512) 391-2305 5604 Manor RD Fax: (512) 391-2306 Austin, TX 78723 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 31
1974 (continued) LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
Crystal City School Board Elections
Raul T. Flores School Board 1,478 Dora Garza
Mercedes “Chachi” Casarez School Board 1,471 Roberto Hernandez
Crystal City Council Elections
Lupe Cortinas City Council 1,440 Pedro A. Contreras 789
Arturo Gonzalez City Council 1,442 Marina Balboa 779
Zavala County Primary Election
Jose Angel Gutierrez County Judge 1,746
Manual Espinoza, Jr. County Judge 213
Virginia Musquiz County Clerk
Carmen Flores County Treasurer
Rosa Mata District Clerk
Hortencia Treviño County Comm Pct. 2 427 All were unoppossed in the primary Jose Talamantez County Comm Pct 2 139 except Jose Angel Gutierrez Benito Perez JP Pct. 2
Esteban Najera County Comm Pct 4
Rosa Quijano JP Pct 4
Irene Morales JP Pct 1
Jose Luis Balderas Precint Chair # 3
Rudy Espinoza Precinct Chair # 5
Elpidio Lizcano Precinct Chair # 6
Eliseo Solis Precinct Chair # 7 Page 32 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012
1974 (continued) LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
General Election
Jose Angel Gutierrez County Judge 1,968 Ira Taylor 1,702
Viginira Musquiz County Clerk 1,950 Georgia L. Price 1,742
Carmen Flores County Treasurer 1,977 Pernla Dennis 1,714
Esteban Najera County Comm Pct 4 590 E.A. Easter 588
Irene Cuellar Morales JP # 1 370 Bert Banner ?
El Paso County
Mr. Cisneros ran for Justice of the Peace with La Raza Unida Party in El Paso County in 1974. Mr. Cisneros was born in El Paso, Texas on July 23, 1949. He attended local schools, Aoy and Hart Elementary, then he went on to Bowie High School where he graduated in 1969. With the help of the Upward Bound Program and the Mexican-American Youth Association, Mr. Cisneros attended Colorado State University for one quarter semester, and then transfered to UTEP. At this university, Mr. Cisneros receibed his B.A. degree in Political Science in 1973.
Dr. Mariano Diaz-Miranda History Professor at Austin Community College Manda Saludos a Todos
Dr. Nestor Rodriguez Felicita a todos en su
reunion en Austin, Tx COLLECTING ORAL HISTORIES OF ACTIVISTS IN DFW AND BEYOND ʹ PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFO La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 33 1975 LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
Crystal City School Board Elections held on April 5th, 1975
Abelardo Marquez School Board 1,563 Alberto Sanchez 431
Jose Luis Balderas School Board 1,565 Javier Ramon 430
Crystal City Council Elections
Jose D. Cuevas City Council 1,522 Juan Cornejo 560
Eugenio “Gene” Ruiz City Council 1,519 Beatrice Espinoza 554
Ambrosio Melendrez City Council 1,541 Henry Flores 560
1976 LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes
Travis County
Paul Velez Travis County Chairman N/A
Emilio Zamora Travis County Chairman N/A
Harris County
General Election
Carmen Zapata County Chair
Idefonso Ruiz Constable Precinct # 6 611 votes (2.4%)
Eduardo Canales State Representative District # 87 266 votes ( 2.6%)
Fred Garza, Jr. Rail Road Commissioner 5,936 Page 34 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 1976 (continued) LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
Crystal City School Board Elections
Original Raza Unida New Guard Raza Unida
Ernesto Olguin School Board 1,149 José Luis Galvan 1,450
Jose O. Mata School Board 1,139 Henry Rivera 1,444
Jesus Salas School Board 1,125 Rudy Palomo 1,438
Crystal City Council Elections
Olivia Serna City Council 1,056 Francisco Benevides 1,271
Pablo Puente City Council 1,042 Victor Lopez 1,231
Independents
Juan Cornejo 65
Roberto Diaz 18
Raza Unida Primary Elections May 1, 1976
Crispin Treviño Sheriff 1,254 Ramon Garza 1,071
Elena Diaz County Commissioner 369 Rudy Espinoza, Jr. 360
November General Elections
Crispin Treviño Sheriff 1,425 Elfego Martinez 2,079
Richard Diaz County Tax Assessor 2,172 Martha Cruz 1,313
Francisco Prado, Jr. County Commissioner 328 Felipe Torres 406 Precinct # 1
Ventura Goznalez Constable Precinct # 2 375 Cecil Holt 503
Elena Diaz County Commissioner 376 N/A Precinct # 3
Jesse Gamez County Commissioner 357 (write-in) Precinct # 3 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 35
1976 (continued) LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
Raza Unida Primary Elections May 1, 1976
Gregoria Delgado JP Precinct # 4 N/A
Guadalupe C. Mata Constable Precinct # 1 N/A
Pablo Avila County Attorney N/A Unoppossed
1977
LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Crystal City School Board Elections
Victor Castillo School Board 1,107 Ramon Garza 1,238
Juan Guzman School Board 1,089 Jesse Gamez 1,126
Crystal City Council Elections (April 2, 1977)
Jose D. Cuevas City Council 1,121 Ramon “Monche” Mata 1,140
Hilario B. Lozano City Council 1,102 Blanca Gamez 1,206
Olivia Serna City Council 1,124 Rudy Espinoza, Jr. 1,198
We are proud to have been a small part in the political awakening of our people Happy 40th Anniversary Raza Unida Party of Texas Ernesto & Ruby T. Calderón Austin, Texas Page 36 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012
1978 LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
Crystal City School Board Elections
Esmeralda R. Torres School Board 1,123 Ramon Martinez 730 won
Jose D. Cuevas School Board 1,241 Jesus Menchaca 719 won Crystal City Council Elections
Victor Lopez City Council 1,129 Francisco Benevides 698 won
Luis R. Avila City Council 1,197 Eliseo Sanchez 665 won Primary Elections
Jose Angel Gutierrez County Judge
Esteban Najera County Commissioner Precinct # 4 191
Alejandro Perez County Commissioner Precinct # 4 401
Jose L. Talamantez County Commissioner 582 Frank Guerrero Jr. 614 Precinct # 2
Margarita Gonzalez District Clerk 1,908 Rosa Elva Mata 2,055
Diana Palacios Garcia County Clerk 1.981 Rosaria T. Avila 1,965 Alfredo G. Sanchez Justice of the Peace 414 Bert Baxter 417 Precinct 1
Carmen Flores County Treasurer 2,022 Margaret Williams 1,914
Harris County
General Election
Daniel Bustamante State Representative District # 79 267 votes ( 2.7%)
Mario Compean Governor
Luis Diaz De Leon U.S. Senate La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Page 37
1979 LRUP Candidate Office Sought Votes Opponent Votes
Zavala County
Crystal City School Board Elections
Margaret Flores School Board 1,577 Fidel Benavides 1,098
Pablo Puente School Board 1,532 Miguel “Mike” Delgado 1,260
Juan “Topper” Perez School Board 1,525 Francisco J. Martinez 1,126
Ninfa Moncada School Board N/A José R. “Chema” Mata
Crystal City Council Elections
Rodolfo “Rudy” Espinoza Jr. City Council 1,514 Ramon “Monche” Mata 1,005
Olivia Serna City Council 1,572 Juan Cornejo 963
Juan E. Hernandez City Council 1,443 Roberto Cornejo 970 Page 38 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 La Raza Unida Party Reunion Notes La Raza Unida Party Reunion Program Book - 2012 Planning Committee
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, Front Row: Anita Quintanilla, Maria Elena Martinez, Modesta Treviño, Alma Valdez, Ruby T. Calderon, Linda Del Toro, TOP ROW: Hector Gaucin, Ricardo Chavira, Ernesto Calderon, Frank Campos, Dr. Emilio Zamora, Avina Crystal Gutierrez, Pablo Avila, Gilbert Rivera.
LEFT: Martha Cotera ABOVE: Lorenzo Cano, Houston, Texas RIGHT: Erneto and Ruby T. Calderon with Dr. Emilio Zamora &HOHEUDWHV 2I(GXFDWLRQDO([FHOOHQFH&HOHEUDWHV 2I(GXFDWLRQDO([FHOOHQFHLQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ LQ+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ - - &ODVVHV9LVLWLQJ6FKRODUV0RQRJUDSKV &ODVVHV9LVLWLQJ6FKRODUV0RQRJUDSKV &RQIHUHQFHV*UDGXDWH)HOORZVKLSV &RQIHUHQFHV*UDGXDWH)HOORZVKLSV 5HFUXLWPHQW5HWHQWLRQ6FKRODUVKLSV 5HFUXLWPHQW5HWHQWLRQ6FKRODUVKLSV 7KH8QLYHUVLW\RI+RXVWRQSURYLGHVHTXDOWUHDWPHQWDQGRSSRUWXQLW\WRDOOSHUVRQVZLWKRXWU7KH8QLYHUVLW\RI+RXVWRQSURYLGHVHTXDOWUHDWPHQWDQGRSSRUWXQLW\WRDOOSHUVRQVZLWKRXWUHJDUGWRUDFHQDWLRQDORULJLQVH[DJHHJDUGWRUDFHQDWLRQDORULJLQVH[DJH GLVDELOLW\YHWHUDQVWDWXVRUVH[XDORULHQWDWLRQH[FHSWZKHUHVXFKGLVWLQFWLRQLVUHTXGLVDELOLW\YHWHUDQVWDWXVRUVH[XDORULHQWDWLRQH[FHSWZKHUHVXFKGLVWLQFWLRQLVUHTXLUHGE\ODZLUHGE\ODZ 7KLVVWDWHPHQWUHIOHFWVFRPSOLDQFH 7KLVVWDWHPHQWUHIOHFWVFRPSOLDQFH ZLWK7LWOHV9,DQG9,,RIWKH&LYLO5LJKW$FWRI DQG7LWOH,;RIWKH(GXFDZLWK7LWOHV9,DQG9,,RIWKH&LYLO5LJKW$FWRI DQG7LWOH,;RIWKH(GXFDWLRQDO$PHQGPHQWVRI DQGDOORWKHUIHGHUDODQGQG VWDWHUHJXODWLRQVVWDWHUHJXODWLRQV