September – December 2020
Vol. IV
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MEXICO HOUSTON CONSULAR MAGAZINE
#100YearsTogether CONSULMEX.SRE.GOB.MX/HOUSTON/
Index Welcome message from Consul General Alicia Kerber Palma September: Celebrating our pride and love for Mexico!
October: 20 years of binational health November: 100 years of stories December: 16 days of activism, finishing off 2020 with a bang! Consulate General of Mexico in Houston in the media
Friends of the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, I am pleased to present the fourth edition of our consular magazine "Mexico in Houston", in which pages I hope you will recognize the fundamental parts of our daily work to reach the more than two million mexicans that live in and around Houston. The unprecedented situation we faced globally during 2020 has shown us that we will always find new ways to meet around and share our love for Mexico together. From meetings with local authorities in the 31 counties we cover to coordinating more than twice as many mobile and weekend events, the contribution of every one of you has been essential in maintaining the unity that characterizes us and allows us to take strong action for our community. Today more than ever, those of us who work at the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston confirm the importance of having an active community, strong strategic allies, and people committed to initiatives that allow us to better serve them. Starting with our innovative and successful #GritoVirtual, followed by binational health activities during a crucial moment for everyone in Houston, as well as the celebration of our #100YearsTogether which we will without a doubt continue to celebrate in the upcoming year, I am proud to present the results of the last four months, closing 2020 with a bang!
Alicia Kerber Palma CONSUL GENERAL OF MEXICO IN HOUSTON
September – December 2020
SEPTEMBER CELEBRATING OUR PRIDE AND LOVE FOR MEXICO! September 3 – Virtual Dialogue "Women in the Work Environment" with the Director General of Protection of Mexicans Abroad, Maki Teramoto, and participation in the CIAM call bank.
September 1 – MOU signing with Greater Houston Partnership and participation in USMCA Day in which local authorities also participated, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
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September 4 – Meeting with the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, to explore avenues of collaboration for the Mexican community of Houston.
September 2 – Launch of the Houston Channel of Cultural Diplomacy and Virtual Conversation on Xilitla.
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CELEBRATING OUR PRIDE AND LOVE FOR MEXICO! September 4 – Virtual meeting with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gónzález under the Coordination Mechanism established with local authorities.
September 9 – Meeting with the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C. regarding the "The Other Face of Migration" project. September 4 – Free vaccination clinic for children and young people.
September 9-11 – Free COVID19 testing in partnership with the Houston Department of Health. September 4 – Meeting with Superintendent Grenita Lathan to support students in this Back to School.
September 8 – Virtual conversation with designer Armando Takeda about his collaboration with Mexican women artisans.
September 9 – Virtual conversation "Of sauces, moles and pipianes" with chefs Ixchel Ornelas from her kitchen in Mexico and Adriana Avendaño from Houston.
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September – December 2020 September 11 – Virtual conversation with the Mil Mujeres Association on how to adjust different irregular migration issues.
September 12 – Mobile Consulate in Beaumont, TX, area recently affected by Hurricane Laura.
September 14 – Start of free daily COVID19 tests in partnership with United Memorial Medical Center.
September 15 Galveston police.
September 12 – Food bank at Beaumont and Orange, TX, in coordination with the Diocese of Beaumont and the American Red Cross.
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September 16 - Virtual Congress about the USMCA with the port of Freeport and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce of Brazoria.
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CELEBRATING OUR PRIDE AND LOVE FOR MEXICO! One of the most awaited dates of the whole year is the day when we celebrate Mexico's Independence Day with the traditional Grito that, in addition to performing in Discovery Green Park or the Miller Theater in front of thousands of people, we have tried to take virtually to all corners of the Greater Houston area. This time our #FiestasPatrias included activities as varied as virtual tequila tastings, outdoor movies, and conversations about our gastronomy and history. Thanks to the collaboration with Univision, Telemundo and Millenial TV, our national holiday reached nearly 10,000 people receiving special congratulations messages from Houston Mayor Sylvester Tuner, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and the office of Texas Secretary of State.
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September – December 2020
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CELEBRATING OUR PRIDE AND LOVE FOR MEXICO! September 17 - Virtual meeting with LULAC on joint work projects.
September 21 - Virtual conversation with the Houston community and police about cyberbullying and support for reporting family abuse.
September 17 – Delivery of computers donated by LULAC and Arca Continental so that students can continue their studies in the midst of the pandemic.
September 22 - Virtual meeting with the American Red Cross as part of hurricane season preparedness efforts.
September 18 - Registration of minors of Mexican-American homoparental families.
September 23 – Virtual meeting with the Houston police chief to continue developing programs in support of the Mexican community.
September 18 – Virtual workshop with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) on returning to face-to-face classes.
September 24 – Virtual meeting with the CEO of the Nuevo León tourism development corporation, Miguel Angel Cantú González, to explore joint projects with Houston.
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September – December 2020 September 24 to October 5 – Virtual meetings with Alvin police chief, Missouri City police chief, Port Arthur police chief, and Brazos Sheriff to join efforts in protecting the Mexican community throughout Greater Houston area.
September 25 - Delivery of financial aid and pantries to vulnerable mothers during #DiaNaranja, a day to raise awareness on domestic violence.
September 24 – "First Reunion #SomosIbero Texas" with graduates of the Universidad Iberoamericana, as well as with Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Martha Bárcena and the consuls of the state of Texas.
September 25 – Delivery of the "Distinguished Mexicans" award to Dr. Joseph Varon for contribution in the area of medicine, being one of the leading specialists in the treatment of COVID19 in Houston mainly among the Hispanic community.
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CELEBRATING OUR PRIDE AND LOVE FOR MEXICO! Our consular network is the largest in the world, with 50 representations across the United States serving more than 11 million Mexicans with the most diverse and sensitive needs. That is why we work with a firm commitment to serve our entire community wherever it is and without being defeated by adversity. Although each Representation responds and adapts to the particularities of each city, we all agree on our vocation of service for our people, especially the undocumented and vulnerable ones. In addition, we share the pride of representing our country and celebrating the successes of those who, with their commitment and perseverance, demonstrate that it is possible to change the narrative of the Mexican community in the United States.
Replicating the "Mexican People in the Midwest" initiative of the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, in September we began the short videos #MexicanosDestacados. In them you will intimately meet those who, from different fields, inspire us to pursue our ideals. To this day we have 11 success stories and we know that there are many more. What's yours? We want to get know it!
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September – December 2020
OCTOBER 20 YEARS OF BINATIONAL HEALTH Binational Health Week has become the most far-reaching community health movement across the Americas. In the midst of a global pandemic that has made us all reflect on the importance of preventive care, during the month of October this initiative celebrated 20 years of bringing health services to Hispanic migrants, mostly of Mexican origin. From the presentation of the first "Health Guide for the LGBTQ+ Community", daily COVID-19 tests and vaccines for all generations to the virtual meeting with academics of BenemĂŠrita Universidad of Puebla to promote exchange projects in the medical area and the internationalization of Mexican universities in Houston, at the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston we reaffirm our commitment to innovate and to remain at the forefront of health initiatives as well as all consular work.
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20 YEARS OF BINATIONAL HEALTH
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September – December 2020 October 1 - Double citizenship for the eight kids of the Salazar Vázquez family.
October 5 - Delivery of pantries to day laborers of different nationalities and guidance on labor rights, health, and financial advice, with the support of Fe y Justicia Worker Center, Reyes Produce, and Amerigroup.
October 2 - Virtual conversation with Houston City Fire Chief on COVID care and home prevention measures.
October 3 - Mobile Consulate to Orange, TX, an area affected by Hurricane Laura.
October 6 - Virtual meeting with the sheriff of Houston's fifth precinct to join forces against domestic violence and human trafficking.
October 5 – Visit to Arca Continental CocaCola Southwest Beverages, the first Mexican plant to be established in the United States after 10 years.
October 7 – Launch of "CAsA, Automated Assistance Center" in order to provide a better service in COVID times by providing real-time information without the need to enter the facility.
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20 YEARS OF BINATIONAL HEALTH October 9 – After gaining dual nationality, Melissa and her family shared their enthusiasm and happiness.
October 15 - Delivery of hygiene kits and protective equipment to day laborers with the support of The Hispanic Star and Spring Branch Community Health Center.
October 9 - Virtual meeting with the superintendent of the Katy School District on the need for bilingual workshops to support students in COVID times.
October 15 – Launch of the "1st CatrinXs Contest" as part of #SpiritDay.
October 14 – Meeting with La Michoacana, a Mexican company in Houston, to strengthen ties for our community.
October 16 - Virtual meeting with the young executives of Arca Continental.
October 19 - Virtual meeting Woodlands Association of Entrepreneurs.
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with The Mexican
September - December 2020 October 19 - Virtual work meeting with Liberty County police chief.
October 23 - Digital transformation for the issuance of passports and IDs, as well as civil registration documents and visas. October 21 – Meeting between the Mexican Association of Secretaries of Economic Development and Mexico's Consular Network in Texas to explore business opportunities.
October 23 - Virtual Conversation with Women in the Victim Assistance Unit of the Harris County 5th Precinct office on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
October 23 – Digital Forum "Don't Be Fooled" in order to guide the community on how to prevent fraud.
October 24 - Saturday event of extendedhours for documentation.
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20 YEARS OF BINATIONAL HEALTH October 27 - Virtual meeting with Fort Bend ISD superintendent to address strategies that enable secure continuation of studies.
October 29 – Award of IME Scholarships 2020 resources to the Center for Mexican-American Studies and the University of Houston Foundation.
October 27 - Meeting with the regional United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
October 30 - Virtual work meeting with Pasadena police chief. October 27 – Virtual meeting with Xavier Ibarrola, CEO of Banorte Ixe Securities, to address expansion in the region.
October 28 – Participation from the Director General for North America, Roberto Velasco, in the forum "The New USMCA – Challenges and Opportunities" of the University of Houston.
October 31 – Last Saturday event in October, issuing more than 300 documents.
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September - December 2020
NOVEMBER 100 YEARS OF STORIES November 2 - Signature of Memorandum of Understanding with Planned Parenthood to strengthen the sexual and reproductive health services provided to our community.
November 4 – Participation in the XXVII Workshop on International Law of the Meixcan Department of Foreign Affairs.
November 2nd - Placement and virtual tour of the Day of the Dead offerings.
November 5 - Agreement signing and award of IME Scholarships 2020 resources to College of the Mainland in Texas City.
November 4 International.
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November 5 - Tour of the Consulate on Wheels and its digital transformation.
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100 YEARS OF STORIES November 7 - Mobile Consulate in Victoria.
November 9 - Virtual meeting with Fort Bend County Judge KP George. November 8 - Mexican Diplomat's Day
November 9 – Award ceremony to winners of the 2020 Calaveritas Contest.
November 10 - Virtual meeting for tourism coordination between Visit Houston and the Ministry of Tourism of Nuevo León.
November 9 – Virtual meeting with managers from Arca Continental, Banorte and Mission Foods.
November 14 - Launch of daily glucose, blood pressure and body mass index tests for World Diabetes Day 2020.
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September - December 2020 November 18 - National Financial Education Week.
November 19 - Meeting with Beaumont ISD families and parents.
November 18 – Meeting with the Angleton Police Chief highlighting the importance of due process.
November 18 - Collaboration with Spring Branch Community Health Clinic to promote access to low-cost health services and provide users with masks and hand sanitizer.
November 20 - Application of free vaccines, as well as daily COVID19 tests
November 20 – Visit to detention centers.
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100 YEARS OF STORIES In addition to commemorating the 110th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, this November 20, 2020 we began the celebration of a fundamental milestone for the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston: a century of work at the service of the Mexican and Mexican-American communities. These first #100YearsTogether were celebrated with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at our facility, the award of the Ohtli Award to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the virtual exhibition, in collaboration with the Houston Public Library, "The Consulate General of Mexico: 100 years of Mexican American History in Houston" and the "Distinguished Mexicans" award to Dr. Joseph Varon. Our tireless work in building links between Mexico and Houston in all areas—political, economic, educational, health, social, and cultural—was also evident in this celebration by including the virtual participation of local, federal, and Mexican authorities. Technology was essential to bring together the more than 2 million people who make up our community and to whom we hope we can continue to aid now in person also as we carry out other activities in the coming months to commemorate our #100YearsTogether.
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September - December 2020
DECEMBER 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM, FINISHING OFF 2020 WITH A BANG!
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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM, FINISHING OFF 2020 WITH A BANG! On 25 November we again commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in response to our commitment to guide and support the community in combating this problem that disproportionately affects our migrants. Given the exponential increase in gender-based violence in the wake of the pandemic, by joining #16DaysofActivism, this year we made this issue even more visible to prevent our community from being affected. For two weeks we invited our followers and users to join World HIV/AIDS Day, to participate in the "Drawing for Equality� contest for children under the age of 11, to make TikTok-style videos, to tell their stories, and much more. With a holistic and cross-cutting approach, these activities were highlighted for their originality, creativity and inclusion necessary to face challenges and obstacles that impede the healthy development of those who connect daily in the city of Houston and its surrounding areas.
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September - December 2020 December 2 – First birth certificate to the daughter of homoparental MexicanHonduran family.
December 3 – Award delivery to honorarymention winner in the drawing contest "This is my Mexico". December 2 - Work meeting with the Chambers Sheriff with the aim of strengthening institutional ties between the two offices for the benefit of our community.
December 4 – Flu shot Day.
December 3 – International Day of People with Disabilities.
December 5 – Christmas spirit.
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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM, FINISHING OFF 2020 WITH A BANG! December 6 – Donation of stuffed animals by the Sheriff of Precinct 5.
December 10 – Participation in the second round of the Binational Meeting of Artists 2020 "How to develop and include sustainability in artistic creations".
December 9 – Virtual conversation “Entrepreneurship during COVID times" with women entrepreneurs from the Houston area.
December 10 - Work visas to Technical Director and Physical Preparer of the Puebla Football Club, within the framework of the promotion of Mexico abroad through sports. December 9 – Virtual meeting with the West Columbia Chief of Police to address the importance of consular notification and community services in the area.
December 11 – Virtual conversation "Let's talk about DACA" with attorney Carolina OrtuzarDíaz to answer all community questions in real time.
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September - December 2020 December 12 – Penultimate Saturday event of the year, on the #GuadalupeVirginDay.
December 15 – Second Virtual Women's Dialogue with the participation of community leaders, representatives of local organizations and authorities, including Congresswoman Sylvia García. December 14 – Conversation of the Mexican Ambassador to the United States with Tony Payán from the Center for the United States and Mexico at the Baker Institute at Rice University.
December 15 – Meeting with Migrant Votes on the importance of credentialing.
December 16 – Participation in the seventh night of Hanukkah's celebration with the Israeli Consulate General in Houston.
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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM, FINISHING OFF 2020 WITH A BANG! December 16 – Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with a Thousand Women.
December 18 – Second DACA Workshop with lawyer Karen Torres. December 16 – Talk with Dr. Luis Ostrosky on COVID-19 vaccines.
December 18 – Houston Consular Ball held virtually. December 16 – Participation in Hanukkah's virtual celebration with the Israeli Consulate General in Houston.
December 17 – Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with Houston Area Women's Center.
December 18 – Commemoration of International Migrant Day with pantry delivery, monthly meeting with leaders, and vaccination day.
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September - December 2020 December 19 – "Christmas Testings": COVID-19 Testing Day conducted by drive through and included a distribution of household items, personal goodies, and food supplies; event derived from the recent economic impact on our community.
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September - December 2020
MEXICAN GENERAL CONSULATE IN HOUSTON IN THE MEDIA
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MEXICO HOUSTON i n
CONSULAR MAGAZINE
#100YearsTogether September - December 2020 Address and content Alicia Kerber Palma Consul General of Mexico in Houston Adolfo García Estrada Consul Adjunct of Mexico in Houston
Elaboration Valeria Ramírez Siller Press and Media Attaché Froylán Ruiz Ochoa Editorial and graphic deisgn
Collaborators
Alejandra Peraza K. Translation and Design Juan Carlos Arriaga Corrales - Information Technology Attaché Juan Pablo Cortés Villalobos - Civil Registry Attaché Diana Foullon Gómez - Economic and Tourism Promotion Attaché Minerva Hernández Renteral – Administration Attaché Natalia Jiménez Alegría - Protection Attaché Alejandro Macías Ortega - Economic and Academic Affairs Attaché Karla Munive Lima - Protection Attaché Georgina Saldaña Díaz - Consulate on Wheels Manuel Solano Jurado – Documentation Nuria Zúñiga Alaniz - Consul for Communities and Culture
CONSULMEX.SRE.GOB.MX/HOUSTON/