Denton LULAC Legacy Denton County
Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating the Hispanic Legacy in Denton County
September 15, 2015— October 15, 2015
FACT SHEET
Introduction:
The Denton League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Denton County
Office of History and Culture join in paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic
Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation. Thanks to special
resources available to us by the Denton County Office of History and Culture and office
of Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads, a month-long celebration of the Heritage
of Hispanic Americans is scheduled for September 15, 2015— October 15, 2015. The
objective of the Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) celebration is in keeping with the intent
of the federal HHM law, namely: to highlight the "history, culture and contributions of
Hispanic Americans".
OBJECTIVE:
To celebrate Hispanic culture, history, and accomplishments in Denton County
SPONSORS:
The Denton League of United Latin American Citizens Council #4366 — President: Tim
Sanchez
Denton County Office of History and Culture — Denton County Commissioner Andy
Eads
Director: Peggy Riddle
For more information, contact:
Contact— Rudy Rodriguez: (940) 391 9764, rrodriguez1445(a verizon.net: Peggy
Riddle: (940) 349 2850; peggy.riddle dentoncounty.com
HHM Planning Committee Members:
Denton LULAC Representatives:
Tim Sanchez, Anita Martinez-Strickland, Ramiro Valdez, Dorothy Martinez, Alfredo
Sanchez, Dr. Isabella Pina — Hinojosa, Sylvia Guzman, Aida Urquidez, Dr. Frank Perez.
Carmen Grant, Dr. Rudy Rodriguez, Chris Ice
Office of History and Culture Representatives: Peggy Riddle, Roslyn Shelton, Alexis
Martinez
BACKGROUND
About the Denton LULAC Council: The Denton LULAC Council 4366, through its
affiliation with national LULAC, has as its prime goal to advance the economic condition,
educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of the Latino population
of Denton, Texas.
About the Denton County Office of History and Culture: The central mission of the
Office of History and Culture is to enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors
through educational programs that acquire, preserve, protect, promote, and interpret the
history and culture of Denton County.
About the HHM (from web — based historical documents)
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 HHM 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.
The anniversary of Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's Sept 15th, 1810 Grito de Dolores
(Cry of Dolores) declaring Mexico free from Spain actually begins the celebration of
Mexico's Independence day. The eleven-year conflict ended 300 years of Spanish rule
in Mexico and four other countries in Central America. The September 15 holiday in
Mexico includes: symbolic reenactment of Hidalgo's historic proclamation by the
president of the republic and the governor of each state. The September 16th
celebrations, include parades, bullfights, rodeos and traditional dancing.
HHM and El Cinco de Mayo (May 5t" Celebration)
Many people in this country often mistake the Cinco de Mayo holiday for a celebration
of Mexican independence; instead, El Cinco commemorates the Mexican army's 1862
victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the French-Mexican War.
Summary of the Denton HHM Celebration
The events planned for this year are to celebrate Hispanics and their culture and history
with a special emphasis on the Mexican American community of Denton.
What we are planning includes activities that feature native Mexican tradition and
culture. The HHM celebration also presents us with an opportunity for the general
population of Denton and Denton County to get better acquainted with our general
Hispanic community.
Events are planned which allows us time to pause and reflect and draw special attention
to the role of Hispanic Americans to the history and culture of our group to of this region.
Disregard stuff below
A panel on Hispanics in Denton County will address the topic: Past and Present
Momentous Points and Future Considerations. This round-table session is scheduled
for Sept 24. Long-time Denton residents and history-makers will share reflections about
their experience living in Denton; these include how the Mexican American/Latino
community was affected by civil rights programs, especially in the field of education; the
influence of our new Americans (i.e., the immigrant community) in our region; how far
have we've come in the Denton; also, what are projections for the future.
WE are inviting an outside SPEAKER to expand on the discussion topics covered by
the Denton panel.
For more see the week-by-week event schedule.
Also:
Talk about the Exhibits & traveling exhibit
Talk about the entertainment
The Art Contest
When are the Matachines scheduled?
Film presentations: Latinos in the U.S. & Latinos in the Vietnam War, other??
Documents for distribution: Hispanics in Texas brochure and document from the
U.S.Census bureau on Hispanic demographics
Proclamation from the County and the City
Voter registration table
Also there are plans November Dia de Los Muertos event at the Cooper Creek
Cemetery to memorialize and recognize the 20 very early Hispanics whose buried
remains date back to the very early 1990s.
Need to meet next week and, for sure, before Aug 1 to finalize this document