Gallego speaks about opportunity for future generations at 34th annual LULAC banquet in Lubbock

A former state legistor told Lubbock LULAC members on Saturday night what Hispanics have had to endure for a better life and what their children face.

The 34th annual League of United Latin American Citizens "Bring out your Best" awards and scholarship banquet honoring Pete Gallego, former US representative for the 23rd congressional district in Texas.

"It's a fundraiser to raise funds for our scholarship program," said LULAC's Ruben Albares, president of Council 263, of the event.

Albares said Gallego has spoken previously for the annual event. "We've always wanted to bring him back," Albares said.

Gallego spoke about opportunity, and what it took for the Hispanics to have the chance at a better life.

"Most of us knew our grandparents," he said. "When you compare the life that you lead now to the life that your grandfather and your grandmother lived, what's the difference?

"If you didn't work," he said, "you didn't make it. Think about where you are today. It's not the same opportunity."

Gallego said in order for the current generation of children to have better opportunities, more money has to be spent.

"We're not spending on disabled kids anymore," he said, "and we're not spending on education anymore. We allowed that to happen."

Gallego worked as a legislator to increase investment in public education and universities, according to LULAC committee member Alice Lozada.

"(He) fought on behalf of disabled children and helped build roads and schools in low-income areas of West Texas," she said.

"His focus remains protecting veterans and military families by ensuring that wounded veterans get help coming home and providing programs," she added.

Gallego and his wife, Maria Elena, are rearing their son, Nicolas, who was born in 2004.

"Do we want to subject our kids to go through what we went through," he asked guests in the banquet hall. "We don't want that."

Gallego said had it not been for his grandparents' hard work, he may not have gotten the opportunity to become successful.

"My grandparents persevered," he said, "even though they knew the odds. They created opportunity, and they gave us a chance."

During the banquet, LULAC members were recognized for their contributions to Council 263: Member of the year, Julian Perez; president's award, Henry Martinez; professional of the year award. Richard Calvillo with Calvillo Funeral Home and Broadway Funeral Directors; and community leader of the year award, Sonny Garza.

For more information on how to apply for scholarships, visit www.lulac.org,

For information about the LULAC chapter, contact Albares at (806) 470-0311 or Minerva Alaniz at (806) 834-0778.

Source: Gallego speaks about opportunity for future generations at 34th annual LULAC banquet in Lubbock