Texans are fortunate enough to enjoy the benefits of a Hispanic culture, unlike most people in the northern states. The Mexican Texas culture dates back to the days when Mexico first became a state of the Spanish empire. We all know how that turned out with Mexico’s independence and Texas’s soon to follow after. Luckily nowadays, the advantages of American Democracy with a deep rooted Hispanic heritage has given us wonderful celebrations, tasty delicacies, nationally recognized entertainers and influential politicians that helped make the Lone Star State great in the eyes of the world.
It has long been known for years that the United States is a socially and culturally diverse “melting pot”, but many of our National Historic Landmarks do not represent ethnic and minority groups.
In the days of the Obama Administration, a foundation known as the Hispanic Access Foundation(HAF) was asked what places within the U.S. were the most culturally significant to the Latino community and in need of security. The founder and president of the organization, Maite Arce, was not prepared to answer such a question but was quick to act on the opportunity. Under Mr. Arce’s presidency, H.A.F commissioned a report in 2017 to identify the top 10 places of historical and cultural significance to the Latino peoples in need of preservation. For more info: “Place, Story & Culture” .
During St. Paddy’s week, a series of events, meeting and webinars were held by various community groups, nonprofits and elected officials across the U.S.. Leading up to these events many activist and officials have expressed their side on which National Historic Landmarks should be preserved. A pastor of Living Covenant Church in El Paso, Named Moses Borjas, strongly supports saving historical culture, and hopes Pres. Joe Biden will make the Castner Range a national monument.
Borjas stated ” Keeping our lands open to get people involved with trails, climbing mountains. It’s going to help our mental health, it’s going to help our spiritual side, it’s going to help our emotional side. We can only hope our Latino Community leaders choose our monuments wisely or fight for them to be all preserved.