Word From the Publisher
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hen I moved back to Lubbock from Washington, D.C. many family and friends told me “God has a reason”, or “There’s a reason for everything.” Two months later my husband was promoted to a job in Tucson, AZ. While our main home was in Lubbock, we commuted between Lubbock and Tucson for almost three years. During this time I got to explore my interest in photography as well as experience a progressive city like Tucson that prides itself on its history and tradition, and, its barrios and diverse people. It is also the hometown of Lalo Guerrero, deemed the father of Chicano music. In this city I got to meet my good friends Dolores Huerta, civil rights leader, and Richard Chavez the brother of Cesar E. Chavez. One evening, as we prepared to make our weekly drive back to Lubbock, a musical tribute to Guerrero came on the radio. His songs made me laugh and gave me pride. One song brought tears to my eyes – “Barrio Viejo,” which poignantly addresses aging and facing up to change. This song prompted me to want to do something for my aging Latino community in Lubbock, and help to bring attention to the barrios that I grew up in. Mostly, to make Hispanic youth aware of the contributions made by Latinos to Lubbock, and, so they too could take pride in their rich Latino roots, and be prompted to sustain and carve a place for our Latino traditions into their future. March is significant in many ways. This is the month that we celebrate Women's History. I am proud to showcase the many women who I have seen or heard of their commitment and contribution. There are so many achievements, and so many more women, but it is just a small tribute to let make Lubbock aware that we too are making history. We are experiencing many changes in our community, state and nationally. This is the time that Latinos must step up and be heard, whether it be through registering to vote and voting, to assuring that your children are happy, healthy and achieving an education. It takes all and every effort for us to be successful as a community and as Hispanics today. As we face up to change, I would be remiss if I did not encourage our Latino community to register to VOTE. As the fastest-growing demographic group, Hispanics have already shown the power of their vote in primary races across the country. This new alliance will significantly increase the resources and capacity available for Latino voter empowerment, leadership training, and civic engagement. Increasing Hispanic participation in the electoral process is critical for Lubbock Hispanics to improve opportunities and open doors for our children. Therefore, I urge you to register and then VOTE. On that note, please note that the Hometown Hero section is below. I wanted to bring attention to our soldiers who continue to make sacrifices for our freedom. Please pray for all soldiers and for our country, as well as for peace around the world. Como siempre, Latino Lubbock is committed to highlighting the numerous contributions of our Latino community. Thank you to those who support our publication. We now have 100,000 readers monthly. Please continue to support our advertisers who help make it possible to keep our publication free. Thank you for your support and May God bless you! ¡Gracias por su apoyo! Que dios los bendiga. PEACE and random acts of kindness. Que las bendiciones de dios estén contigo en Pascua y siempre! Sinceramente, Christy Martinez-Garcia Publisher & Latino Market Specialist “Latino Lubbock, the Emerging Voice of Lubbock”
BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA
ligio Zapata Paredez, 84, is the E winner of the 2011 Individual/ Family Latino Lubbock Magazine
Cover Contest! Paredez was excited to win, in part because he is searching for descendants of his family. He was born in Angleton, TX and was baptized in Carrizo Springs. He said that with age his memory has been impacted. Nevertheless, one thing that remains clear is the memory of his beautiful mother whom he described as simple, loving, and patient. He reflected on his childhood and said that as a boy he was curious and a little mischievous. Once he put his foot into the fire as a dare. His mother had to care and cure him because they had no access ore money for doctors or medical services. "Era muy travieso, "he said laughing and slightly proud of his misbe-
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Military Briefly
BASIC TRAINING Fabian Perez, son of Vincent and Julia Perez of Lubbock, graduated Feb.4, 2011 from Airborne School Training in Ft. Benning. GA. He completed Basic Training in Ft. Jackson, GA, then AIT in Ft. Lee, VA. DEPLOYMENT Gunnery Sergeant Don Jacob Hernandez enlisted in the USMC July 1997 to present. He deployed to OIF 2004, to OIF 2005, and deployed in support of OEF 2007. Currently Hernandez is with 1stBn 1st Marines and will deploy again in March 2011.
Lowe's 26th Street & Canton Ave. United Market Street 50th St. & Indiana Ave. United 82nd Street & Frankford Ave.
HERNANDEZ
grew older, so did his desire to find them. "Creo que mi tiempo en la tierra es limitado, así que quiero comunicarme con ellos una vez más... antes de morir," he concluded. Eligio is beginning to forget much of the past. He remembers that his first wife's name was Elena. His daughter's name was Hortencia Hernandez. He recalls having family members in Robstown and one that moved to California. He recalled a brother named Trinidad Villa and Valentine Paredez; two sisters one named Aurora Martinez. And nephews - Jose Paredez, Pedro and Domingo. He also believes that he has family members in Levelland, Big Spring, Abilene, Midland and Odessa. Editor's Note: If you believe that you may be related to Eligio, or know anyone that might know his relatives, please contact him at (806) 544-4242. He is bilingual.
event facilities childcare services aquatics, fitness & health THE LEGACY EVENT CENTER
Ceremonies: weddings, receptions Galas: quinceañeras, dinners Business Events: meetings, parties, trainings, luncheons Performances: concerts, theatrical shows Arts: First Friday Art Trail
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havior. At 14, he begin to take-off on his own. He just got it in his will to travel and move. He lived in Corpus Christi, Robstown, San Antonio and eventually moved to Lubbock to work. At 17, he became a migrant worker. Eligio said that he has worked all his life. Among his jobs he sewed bags of cotton seed at the cotton oil mill, which he said he had to complete at least 500 per day. He married two times. In 2002, he met his second wife, and in 2004 he married her. He said kiddingly that he picked a younger woman "so she could keep up with him." He also added that he was alone for 10 years and didn't like it. "No me gustaba estar solo," dijo Paredez. On that note, he reinforced that his lack of mobility was why he started losing touch with his family. He further expressed that as he
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West Texas Hometown Heroes
Page 4
2011 Contest Cover Winner hopes to Reconnect with long lost family members
CHILDCARE SERVICES Child Development Center: 6 weeks to 5 years Head Start: 3- to 5-year-olds YW-CAre After-School: preK to 5th grade LISD Early Release Days: preK to 5th grade Mini and Summer Camps: preK to 5th grade Special Needs: ages 4 to 17
AQUATICS, FITNESS & HEALTH
Aquatics: lessons, classes, lap/family swim, parties Fitness: facilities, classes, gym, weight room Health: Breast & Cervical Health Initiative, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Texas Healthy Adolescent Initiative
3101 35th Street (806) 792-2723 www.ywcalubbock.org Email your news and info to latinolubbock@suddenlink.net - Deadline for News and Info the 21st, Advertising the 23rd