To understand our present, we must learn about our past. It can be a personal journey, or it can be about learning how our cultural ancestors’ diverse contributions helped to build and develop our grand cities and countries. In Houston, many people from different cultural backgrounds have in many ways had a hand in the growth of the city, but before it’s founding, countless of Hispanics were already in the area, they were here centuries before Texas even was even a thought. Hispanics throughout the years have played an incredible role to make Houston what it is today, so it is only right that this history needs to be preserved and not forgotten.
This week, host Blanca Quezada is joined by Dr. Jesse Esparza associate professor and interim chair of the department of history at Texas Southern University. His area of expertise is on the history of Latinos in the United States. He is also an award-winning author.
Dr. Esparza discusses the complexity of Latino people in Houston and the United States, how their traditions and cultures have made a difference in the patchwork of peoples that live in Houston and the county. Beginning with the misconception that if we speak Spanish or have a certain look, we are all Mexican.
Dr. Esparza also talks about s the upcoming Bayou City History Harvest Day Event which is devoted to recording and preserving the records of the community, including the Houston Police Department. Dr. Esparza is inviting people to bring their stories, photographs, newspaper clipping, and personal artifacts. Everything will be scanned recorded or photographed and returned to the owners. There will also be a film screening.
The Bayou City History Harvest Day is on Saturday, June 1st from 10 am to 2 pm at the Leonel J. Castillo Community Center on 2101 South St., 77009. For more information contact Carlos Cantu at and Jesse Esparza at jesus.esparza@tsu.edu.
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Timestamps (AI-generated)
[00:00] Bump
Brief clip showcasing the discussion with Dr. Jesse Esparza about preserving Houston’s Hispanic history.
[00:00:06] Transition Music
Background music transitioning to the introduction.
[00:00:33] Introduction by Sandra Fernandez
Sandra introduces the episode and the topic of preserving Houston’s Hispanic history with Dr. Jesse Esparza.
[00:01:25] Houston’s Diverse History
Blanca introduces the topic of Houston’s history, highlighting the contributions of various cultures to the city’s growth and development.
[00:02:48] Guest Introduction
Introduction of Dr. Jesse Esparza, his background, and his contributions to the field of Latino history and civil rights activism.
[00:03:50] Inspiration for Studying Latino History
Dr. Esparza shares his personal journey and inspiration for becoming a professor of Latino history in the United States.
[00:06:39] Terms and Identity
Discussion on the various terms used to describe Hispanic and Latino identities, including Chicano, Latinx, and others.
[00:09:46] Chicano Identity
Explanation of the term “Chicano,” its historical context, and its significance in the 1960s civil rights movement.
[00:10:50] Diversity Within the Hispanic Community
Discussion on the diverse origins of the Hispanic community in Houston, including people from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
[00:12:15] Language and Cultural Differences
The significance of language and cultural differences within the Hispanic community, including the preservation of indigenous languages.
[00:14:03] Preserving Hispanic History
Blanca and Dr. Esparza discuss the importance of preserving Hispanic history and roots in the United States.
[00:14:45] History Harvest Event
Details about the upcoming history harvest event aimed at preserving family histories and artifacts from the Hispanic community.
[00:18:17] Artifact Preservation
Explanation of the types of artifacts community members can bring to the history harvest event and the process of preserving them.
[00:19:23] Bayou City Policing Book Project
Introduction of the Bayou City Policing book project, chronicling the relationship between Latinos and law enforcement in Houston.
[00:22:04] Community Involvement
The role of community partners and organizations in supporting the history harvest and preservation efforts.
[00:23:48] Fun and Fellowship at the Event
Overview of the additional activities at the event, including a film screening, music, and food, emphasizing community engagement.
[00:24:45] Future Projects and Volunteer Opportunities
Information on future projects, volunteer opportunities, and how community members can get involved in preserving Hispanic history.
[00:25:54] Summer Program for Kids
Details about the upcoming free summer program, La Escuelita, aimed at educating high school students on history and literature.
[00:28:11] Contact Information
Dr. Esparza provides contact information for those interested in learning more or participating in future events and programs.
[00:29:23] Outro
Blanca thanks Dr. Esparza for joining the show and encourages listeners to send comments and story ideas.
[00:29:30] Closing Music
Background music transitioning to the end of the episode.
