The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) saluted the Advocates for a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex in Houston-Harris County, Texas. The project has received $1.25 million for the first phase of a new center focusing on the Latino experience, influence, and impact.
“LULAC is extremely proud of the work that great Houston LULAC leaders have accomplished to make this project a reality,” says Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. "I want to recognize Tony Diaz, a LULAC civil rights warrior, and Texas LULAC Historian David Contreras, founding members of the organization behind the project. Also, Jesus Davila, with Tony and David, has donated hundreds of hours in support of helping this project get underway. LULAC history will be celebrated and live on because of what others have sacrificed, realizing the dream of this center," says Garcia.
The Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex is the fruition of an idea created by the Advocates of a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archives Complex in Houston. The organization’s principal goals include creating a complex that fosters Latino creativity in the arts and culture, creating opportunities locally and nationally. Also, elevate Houston as the national center of Latino culture, education, and economic prosperity through greater understanding. The completed complex environment, intellectual infrastructure, and digital platform will support and grow Houston’s Latino Art & Culture ecosystem for the benefit of all.
“Millions of Latino visitors and others will stream through the completed complex and hopefully feel the same pride that I do about the cultural tapestry that is Houston, the state of Texas, and our nation," says David Contreras. He began working on the idea of a live performance and interactive archival Latino history repository several years ago. "There is so much that Latinos have contributed to the fabric of our communities; it's truly amazing!" he adds.
Contreras adds that the challenge is Latinos are so busy doing the work every day, they do not allow themselves the time to pull back and take a more extensive, broader view of who they are and what they mean to the United States. "It is my deepest and fondest hope that our gift to future Latino generations will provoke in them a call-to-action that they too can make a difference, as did those who came before them. A historian's greatest reward is teaching others an appreciation for the past as a lesson to shape the present and what's ahead," said Contreras.