Five Trailblazers of Mexican ancestry were honored before a standing room only audience at Adams Street Community Center in Brownwood.
SALSA, the Strategic Alliance for Leadership and Social Action, continued its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month Saturday, October 2, by presenting the awards in addition to three scholarships. The event was originally to be held at Wiggins Park, but the venue was changed due to rain. The music was provided by Raul Martinez.
The five Mexicano Trailblazers of Brownwood honored included Mary Acuna, the late Johnny DeAnda, the late Teodoro Gomez and his widow Sarah, and Lance Corporal Ray Delgado, who was killed in Vietnam.
Mary Acuna is the first Mexican American appointed to public office. Her distinguished career in public office spans 45 years and she was recently re-appointed by the City Council to another two-year term.
Teodoro (Ted) and Sarah Gomez started Gomez Restaurant in 1958, the first major Mexican-owned business in Brownwood. The two operated the restaurant together until Mr. Gomez passed away in 1994. Sarah Gomez continued until her retirement in 2013
The late Johnny DeAnda was best known for his generosity. He brought music into households through his radio program and promoted dances at the Coliseum featuring the best bands in the industry. His public service culminated with his election as Constable of Precinct 4.
Lance Corporal Ray Delgado was the first Brownwood-born Mexican American to die in battle. He was killed by heavy mortar fire in Vietnam at the age of 19. He was a member of the First Mexican Baptist Church.
The Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship was awarded to Simona Perez and Leticia Cervantes from Brownwood and Mirian Marquez from Blanket. Since May, the $1,000 scholarship has been to 10 students in the Brownwood area attending HPU, A&M, Angelo State, Tarleton, Ranger, Austin Community College, and Galen College of Nursing in San Antonio.
Dr. Juan Andrade, SALSA organizer, said “As a community, we are tremendously proud of these honorees. They blazed a trail and showed many how to create, serve, and sacrifice for this country. And, of course, we should all do what we can to help students get a good education.”