Driscoll Student Reunion & Celebration

My Nephew, Enrique Aleman, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Professor at University of Utah, has been working on this research project for a year and this weekend he shared with family and participants of the Hernandez court case the accomplishments and activism of Driscoll students and families.  This was a very emotional time for most of the attendees as they were directly involved in this case of  racial discrimination growing up in the small South Texas town of  Driscoll.  Manuel and I came home feeling very touched by his presentation.  It also brought many horrible memories of our early childhood school years. 

This case took place in 1956 and not much was ever said about it.  Like many nightmares, it was just swept under the carpet and forgotten.  Dr. Enrique Aleman has done much research and has found many of the participants in this case and personally interview each and everyone of them still living....

The poster for his project was created by his 9 year old daughter, Gema, who is the same age his mother, Lupe was at the time of the trial.  Lupe is depicted at the bottom left and Gema at the bottom right. Gema and all three of his children have been involved in his studies at one point or another...

The gathering was held in the Driscoll School Library....there were a lot of attendees.

My oldest Sister, Lupe, was the inspiration of his study.  Her story now told.

Not a very clear picture of his slide but readable, non-the-less.

The presentation, photos and case participants' stories were enjoyed by all.  There were tears, laughter and just sheer silence in the room as we listened intently.

This Lady, Albesa Hernandez is the person responsible for bringing this case to be when she moved from Corpus Christi to Driscoll and her children were segregated because they were of Spanish speaking decent.   She tried working with the school officials but when they failed to listen when she told them that what they were doing to Mexican Americans was wrong, she went on up to the district and changed things....

Connie Galvan (left), Mary Trevino (top center) and Carmen Aleman (far right) are only three of eight girls (ages 7-9 at the time) put on the stand to testify during this trial.  There were also 2 boys that testified but could not be present today. They are pictured here with Albesa Hernandez and Dr. Aleman.  Three of the eight girls testifying were MY Sisters:  Lupe, Mary and Carmen.  Sad to say but in hearing Dr. Aleman and also having read all of the trial transcript:  These children were intimidated by lawyers as well as the judge...they testified right in front of the teachers they had to go back to the next day in school.  God Bless these girls, they have all become strong professional women.  They are also three of the 5 girls on the poster.

Members of the G I Forum were present and presented Dr. Aleman with a poster of Dr. Hector Garcia, who was very instrumental in bringing this case to justice.

Enrique Aleman, Sr. (Dad) was the Research Assistant, who helped Dr. Aleman find case participants locally and set up interviews.  Thank you, Henry for your hard work.

The following are pictures at the reception which followed the presentation.

Delia and Dovie Trevino....it was great seeing them both!

My only Brother, Jesse with Niece, Kathy and my husband, Manuel.

Rose Meza Harrison, who is running for Congress....

My Brother Jesse, told about his project.  Naming two streets in Driscoll to honor our Fallen Heroes, Leonel Aleman (Korean War) and Richard Garcia (Vietnam MIA).

Connie Gavlan Galan and her husband.

My Sisters and Brother:  Carmen, Alma, Dolores, Jesse, Mary, Josie and Myself.  My Sisters, Lupe and Alicia, are watching from Heaven.

This is part of the group that Dr. Aleman interviewed.  Some could not make it.

Albesa Hernandez and her family.  Bottom Row: Bernice, Mrs. Hernandez, and Sylvia.

Top Row:  Yvette, Eve, Tony and Danny.  Henry, Sonny and Gilbert are not present.  Now, do you understand why she had to fight for her children's education?

Again, Albesa, Danny, Sylvia and Eve.

Mrs. Hernandez got a standing ovation when she was wheeled in to the library.  She was so happy to see everyone.

Next photo, Elijah fell asleep on Mommy's lap.

   

The photographers who never get photographed.....Great job, guys.

I wonder what she is saying....she is really a cute lady.

The tall Texans.....Manuel and Alonso.

Drs. Aleman and Trevino....

Beautiful baby, Elijah.

Alonso and Delia went to school together but after the Trevinos moved to Houston, they never saw each other until today, 50+ years later.

We took this picture with our Nephew, Jacob Aleman.

We are so proud of this project and were so happy to see everyone here today. 

Love you all and Blessings to all....