Washington, DC (May 05, 2008) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) released the following statement regarding the repeal of a 1931 city ordinance in Edcouch that segregated the city into two areas based on racial and national origin. 

“On this Cinco de Mayo, it is quite appropriate that the city of Edcouch is repealing a 1931 city ordinance that should have never been approved. This ordinance segregated the city into two portions based strictly on racial and national origin. It was this type of prejudice, sanctioned by a local government, which created fear and insecurity among Edcouch and Delta Region residents. It was this type of discrimination that caused my family to move from Edcouch to Mercedes, Texas.

“I recall how my brothers and I had to attend segregated schools in Edcouch. It did not matter that my parents and family were upstanding citizens of Edcouch, that my father started and ran a business, that we were hardworking and wanted to help the community grow. And it did not matter that we were U.S. citizens. No, it was our last name and family lineage that defined who we were and where we could live. That type of treatment stays in your mind forever. That is why we have to constantly strive to improve the living conditions for all communities in 2008 and beyond.

“The struggle for civil rights by Mexican-Americans and other Hispanics throughout the Southwest is well documented. In the Delta region, it was the 1968 Edcouch-Elsa High School walkouts that sent a loud message that justice had not yet been achieved for all. Those walkouts eventually led to a federal court declaring a ban on speaking Spanish to be unconstitutional. That demonstration and legal action led to the establishment of bilingual education in public schools back in the 1930s and 1940s. Little did anyone expect that a Mexican-American, born in Edcouch, would one day be the U.S. Congressman representing Edcouch and the Delta region. But we should not focus completely on the past. We must look forward, because many challenges remain.

“The ugly head of prejudice still shows itself, especially against immigrants. My parents were immigrants and many others like them are greatly responsible for much of the nations’ economic growth.  That is why immigration reform is so important. I continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform in Washington.

At the local level, much remains to be done to help Edcouch and the Delta region reach its potential.  That is why as a Congressman I have made this region a high priority.  Projects such are the Mercado Delta and the future Gran Parque will raise the quality of life in this community to another level.

“I congratulate the city of Edcouch for being a full partner in these projects and for seeing a greater future for itself.  Today, it has taken a very symbolic and significant step to correct an injustice from its past.  For that, I commend the community and its city leaders.  Edcouch’s future is in its hands.  Let’s continue to work together to make Edcouch and the Delta Region a model of success for the Rio Grande Valley.”

###