Speak Up Speak Out at Our Lady of the Lake
A couple of weeks ago we had over 500 students from throughout San Antonio on our campus. The students, from 3rd graders to high schoolers, were part of an annual civic education program competition called Speak Up Speak Out organized by CAST Schools. This was their 8th year holding the event.
The competition consists of having the students propose solutions to problems or issues in their community. The best ideas win and go on to compete nationally.
It was refreshing to have so many young students on our campus; it was also befitting. Our very Charism reminds us to speak up and speak out as well as instilling in our students the spirit to care and service to their communities.
For example, in 1968, OLLU served as the host site for the historic U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Hearing on Mexican Americans in the Southwest.
In 1974, our Sisters of Divine Providence joined other Catholic leaders and families in advocating for working class Mexican Americans on the city’s west and south sides and created Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS). Through the years, COPS has taken on political issues and causes in support of fair and equitable distribution of city resources and services. COPS’ success has amounted to over one-billion dollars in group-sponsored projects and initiatives.
In 1985, OLLU brought together academicians and others to discuss the need for a Center for Hispanic Higher Education. The result was the creation of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)… and later Congress designated Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).
We are entrusted with a voice. OLLU provides the environment to articulate it and amplify it. And that is what our students do. Here are some examples:
Gil Coronado (Class of 1975) went on to create Hispanic Heritage Month, a federal month-long designation that celebrates our heritage.
Gloria Rodriguez (Class of 1970 & 1973) went on to start the national early childhood education organization AVANCE, which supports Latino mothers in the raising of their young children in poor communities. She also is the author of “Raising Nuestros Niños: Bringing Up Latino Children in a Bicultural World.” Her work has been featured in the books of three First Ladies: Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Rosalynn Carter.
Ernesto Gomez (Class of 1975) is the founder and CEO of CentroMed, a federally qualified health center serving low-income families for over 40 years. What started out as a family counseling program for low-income San Antonio residents grew to 24 service sites in Bexar and Comal counties providing health care to more than 78,000 patients a year. On average, 47% of their patients lack insurance and 38% are children and youth.
Catholic teaching reminds us that courage, rooted in the virtue of fortitude, is the grace-filled strength to pursue the good with constancy, especially in the times when perseverance and trust in God’s Providence is necessary.
Congratulations to the Speak Up Speak Out winners – stay strong as you advance to the statewide competition in Austin next month. Your voice inspires.