Cinco de Mayo at Historic Parque Zaragoza
Press Release
This morning, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) joined Amigos de Parque Zaragoza and Austin City Council District 3 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and kick off the 90th Anniversary of Parque Zaragoza. The year-long celebration kicked off with today's wreath laying ceremony at Parque Zaragoza to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army and General Ignacio Zaragoza at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
In his speech, Rep. Doggett said, "For nine decades, Parque Zaragoza has been enjoyed by generations in East Austin. The story of this park began with a segregated past in Austin when this was the park for Mexican Americans. This park has taken land originally designated to enforce separation and used it to build community. Rightly proud of its Latino heritage, this is a place where the entire neighborhood can gather and children can safely engage in sports, summer programs, and other rec center activities."
"The theme for this year's celebration will be Defending Democracy which reflects the efforts of the Mexican troops during the Battle of Puebla. This theme is also important today; reminding us that we all have a role to play in ensuring democracy and freedom for generations to come," said Former Austin City Councilmember, Raul Alvarez, Chair of Amigos de Parque Zaragoza.
"Our "defending democracy' theme is so important when, at this very moment, the Texas Legislature is nearing approval of legislation targeted at people of color that would make it even more difficult to vote in Texas--even though we are already rated as the State with the most restrictive voting in the entire nation. Our state has long been ground zero for voter suppression," said Congressman Doggett in his speech today. "If these new restrictions cannot be defeated in Texas, I hope we can approve new For the People national standards in Washington to encourage voting and full participation in our democracy. Together, we honor this day, this park, the significant contributions of Latino neighbors, and recommit ourselves to protecting democracy and demanding the progress that our State so desperately needs."
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