Letter to the Editor

Editor,

In acknowledging this historic event, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos was compelled to reach out and share our sincerest appreciation to the San Marcos CISD trustees for their favorable decision to donate the building we operate within, and to our community who so selflessly gave up their time to show their support. Monday, March 7, 2022, will remain in history for generations to come. As the new Centro board president, it has been such an inimitable honor to serve alongside members of the board and the San Marcos community. I do not take this honor lightly. This organization was established by five incredible women all seeking to protect their community and culture from the forms of erasure and prejudice all too familiar to them, to ensure that every person, no exceptions, receives an everlasting impact the moment they walk through our doors.

For those still unfamiliar with Centro, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant center that serves the community through cultural programming, educational programming, dual language programming, teacher development, community meetings, and more! That is why this decision not only creates a permanent home for Centro but for the people.

In our rapidly changing landscape, ensuring that decisions that demonstrate a commitment to community and equity become and remain the norm, is critical.

The SMCISD trustees showed the community at large that rather than building over them, they will invest and partner with them, allowing the community to manifest what equity truly is. I say this with no hesitation, you cannot put a price tag on the work that Centro does. Now, just as before, it remains our mission to continue putting love into the community that loves us back … indefinitely. From all of us here at Centro, our sincerest and most humble thank you.

Best,

Amanda Rodriguez

San Marcos