Save UH Mural Press Conference
La Raza Justice Movement
2702 Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77093
FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011
FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011
Press Conference: Latinos React To The Proposed Destruction Of The Chicano Mural At The University of Houston. Press Conference Scheduled
The mural at the University of Houston’s University Center is an icon of both the Chicano Movement and of the university. It showcases leaders of the Chicano Movement along with Uncle Sam in the middle as the embodiment of a calavera, a skull with deep meaning in the Mexican tradition. However, it appears that the university is now set to demolish the mural as part of the University Center’s renovations.
Update: In Saturday’s story, The Houston Chronicle reported, “Now the mural, created in 1973 by the Mexican-American Youth Organization, may be threatened by a planned renovation of the University Center.”
Almost two hundred people have signed online petitions, including State Representative Armando Walle and City of Houston Fellow Mario Salinas among many students and alumni. Professors and students have spoken at student government assemblies, but the university has not committed to preserving the mural.
On Monday, December 19,th at 10:30 AM, many concerned alumni and residents will gather at the mural for a press conference to declare that Chicano history will not be destroyed without a response.
Who:
Hector A. Chavana Jr., Activist, Small Business Person, UH Alumnus
Maria Jimenez of Houston’s America For All, UH Alumna
Deyadira Treviño, Student Organizer and “Occupier,” Current UH Student
John Herrera, Community Organizer and Alumnus
Hon. State Rep. Armando Walle (Alumnus), Staff Member
Lorenzo Cano, Alumnus
What: Press conference in front of historic Chicano Mural
Where: University of Houston – University Center Underground (Basement Level)
When: Monday, December 19th at 10:30 AM
Why: To Discuss Opposition To Any Plan That Would Destroy The Mural