PAC Honors The Legacy Of Social Activist Icon Willie Velasquez

帕洛阿尔托学院 officially declared 9月 17 as Willie Velásquez Day with a heartfelt proclamation ceremony led by President Dr. 罗伯特·加尔萨. The event honored the legacy of 圣安东尼奥 native, 社会活动家, and Southwest Voter Registration Education Project founder Willie Velásquez and highlighted the critical importance of voting in the United States.

Manuel Garza, Field Director of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, and Dr. 莎拉·古尔德, Executive Director of the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute, spoke passionately about the profound significance of Velasquez’s legacy in advancing civil rights and voter engagement within the community. Carmen Velásquez-Avila, daughter of Wille Velásquez and PAC Director of Student Advocacy, 和简·委拉斯开兹, wife of Willie Velásquez, were also present to accept the proclamation, which celebrated their family’s ongoing commitment to empowering marginalized voices.

Following the ceremony, 凯拉Muzquiz, the 1046 Precinct Coordinator and a dedicated advocate for foster care, facilitated a thought-provoking panel discussion. Joining her was Joseph M. 小丰., a Political Science Instructor at 帕洛阿尔托学院, and Rebecca 弗洛勒斯, a prominent farmworker rights activist known for her tireless advocacy. 弗洛勒斯, with her distinguished record of successful campaigns across Texas, 佛罗里达, 和加州, aimed to delve into the transformative power of voter participation. 在一起, they explored how active engagement in the electoral process can drive significant social change, highlighting the ultimate importance of each vote in shaping a more equitable society.

“Willie Velasquez’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement,博士分享道。. 罗伯特·加尔萨, President of 帕洛阿尔托学院. “It’s an honor to offer this tribute to Willie for his community leadership and tireless efforts to call our community to participate in the democratic process.”

The proclamation and discussion panel also featured a special exhibition of national awards and personal memorabilia from Willie Velasquez, provided by his daughter and 帕洛阿尔托学院 employee, 卡门·维拉斯. The displayed items gave guests a personal glimpse into the life of a man whose activism paved the way for increased voter registration and political involvement among minority communities.

To learn more about how to participate in the upcoming election cycle on November 5, 2024, visit 阿拉莫.edu/pac/vote.

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"帕洛阿尔托学院 honors 圣安东尼奥 activist Willie Velasquez, importance of voting" - WOAI-TV Online, 2024年9月17日