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History |
Early in 1993, Elsa
Baughman and Esperanza Velásquez began discussions concerning the
organization of a club or organization with the intent of reuniting all
Hispanics residing in Mississippi. After several discussions, it was
agreed that the most appropriate and beneficial means by which to
assemble such a group was to establish an association which stimulated
and supported the cultural, social, and educational activities of the
Hispanic community. During these initial discussions between Baughman and
Velásquez, Socorro Bock and Fernando Gómez were also included in
conversations.
The participants of this group organized a meeting, which took place on
May 23, 1993 at Fernando's Restaurant on County Line Road at 5 p.m., with
the sole purpose of presenting the idea of creating a Hispanic
Association in Mississippi. About 60 people attended this first meeting,
which was named "Encuentro", and among the attendees (aside from the
organizers: Elsa Baughman, Esperanza Velasquez, Socorro Bock, and
Fernando Gómez) were Evelin and Zulma Cuadra, James and Marina Martin,
Olga White, Irma Pinter, Aura Terry, Rosa Martin, Rosa Singleton, Brian
Baughman, and Edison Velasquez. All attendees responded to a
questionnaire whose results indicated a unanimous consensus among
attendees which considered the creation of such an organization a
necessity.
On October 7, 1995, Evelin and Zulma Cuadra organized a meeting-directed
by Esperanza Velásquez, Elsa Baughman, Otilia Sebuktekin, James and
Marina Martin, Antonio and Cecilia Sampayo, and Luis and Wilma Cartagena-in
which the creation of such an organization was agreed. Attendees then
proceeded to specify the regulations by which to appoint a Board of
Directors, as well as nominating certain persons to the Board of
Directors.
Such discussions on the matter continued until January 2, 1996, when
Esperanza Velásquez met with lawyer Merrida Coxwell in order to write the
by-laws by which the Mississippi Hispanic Association (the name selected
for this organization) shall abide.
On January 31, 1996, Mr. Coxwell's secretary read the minutes of
incorporation to board members Esperanza Velásquez, Elsa Baughman, Evelin
Cuadra, James Martin, and Otilia Sebuktekin-all of whom agreed to
contribute a sum of $30 each to cover the incorporation fee.
Mr. Coxwell presented the petition before the Secretary of State's office
in order to ensure the association be incorporated in accordance with the
laws of the State of Mississippi. The petition was registered under
Section 79-11-137, Code 1972. On February 3, 1996, the association
solicited a request for tax exemption, and five months later, the request
was granted temporary status under Section 509(a)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Service. This temporary status lasted from January 3, 1996 to
December 31, 2000. The association has had permanent status as a
non-profit organization since April 4, 2001.
A bank account was opened at the Union Planters Bank on (date).
The MHA's first Board of Directors was comprised
of:
President: Esperanza Velásquez
Vice President: Dr. Evelin Cuadra
Executive Secretary: Elsa Baughman
Treasurer: Otilia Sebuktekin
Vocal: James Martin |
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Mission |
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The MHA's mission is to stimulate, support, and
promote cultural, social, and educational activities in the state's
Hispanic community with the purpose of facilitating its rapid integration
into the surrounding communities. Additionally, MHA aspires to awaken the
general public's interest and awareness for Hispanic traditions and
history |
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Objectives |
 To obtain
administration rights of the "Festival Latino" and to continue its annual
organization in order to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is
observed nationally from September 15 to October 15.
To create the "Gaceta
Hispana", an informative publication in Spanish for the Hispanic
community of Mississippi.
To educate the
general public about the presence of the Hispanic community in
Mississippi.
To promote,
sponsor, and offer activities and social service programs for the
Hispanic community.
To offer and/or
sponsor social activities which help Hispanics integrate into American
society.
To promote
education for Hispanics by defending and interceding on their behalf
before the state and federal government.
To create future
programs and activities of a social, educational, and cultural nature
which require the guidance and supervision of a non-profit organization.
One of the association's principle objectives was to organize the second
"Festival Latino". The first "Festival Latino" (celebrated on Sunday,
September 17, 1995) was organized in a conjunctive effort between the
Catholic Diocese of Jackson and the Methodist Church of Mississippi along
with representatives from 17 Latin American countries. |
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Cultural Performances |
The program "Celebrando el Espíritu Panameño" took
place on January 31, 1998 and was a collaborated effort with the Office
of International Programs of Jackson State University. Twenty
participants of the dance group presented 11 traditional dances from
Panama ("Expresiones Folkloricas de Panamá"). The event was held at the
Jackson State University auditorium.
The presentation "Serenata Latina" took place on April 29, 2000 in the
Music Hall of Fame at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson. This event
featured the Latin American Ballet of Mississippi which performed dances
from various Latin American countries. The musical groups featured were
the "Banda Bronce" and the trio "Los Romanticos". Additionally, several
Hispanic youths participated in the event. |
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Events History |
Year 1996
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held at Roosevelt Park in Morton (date?)
Father's Day
dinner/dance celebration hosted at the "Fernando's" restaurant in
Ridgeland (June 15th)
Garage sale held
at the residence of Jorge and Haide Tangarife in Morton (June 22nd)
Festival Latino
1996 held at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson (September 28th)
Cultural
participation at Jubilee Jam organized by Maribel Edwards (date ?)
Halloween party
hosted at Hal & Mal's Restaurant in Jackson (November 2nd)
Christmas party
hosted at "El Sombrero" Restaurant in Vicksburg (December 21st)
Year 1997
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held in Roosevelt Park in Morton (May 4th)
Annual general
assembly - Bingo fundraiser party at St. Christopher's Church in Jackson
(July 5th)
Festival Latino
1997 held at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson (September 19th)
First "William
Santiago Nunez" mini soccer tournament took place at the Clinton soccer
field (October 12th). This event was coordinated by Efren Nunez.
Halloween party
hosted at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson (November 1st)
Children's
Christmas party hosted at Ton-O-Fun in Ridgeland (December 13th)
Christmas basket
donations to three low-income families
Year 1998
Protest before
the House of Representatives against the passing of bill HB180. The bill
was not passed. (date ?)
Action of thanks
mass sermonized by preacher Victor Scantlebury at St. Christopher's
Episcopal Church in Jackson (January 30th)
"Celebrando el
Espíritu de Panamá", a presentation of traditional dances, was a
collaborative effort with the Office of International Programs at Jackson
State University (January 31st)
Participation in
the International Cultural Awareness Summit (February 6th)
Economic aide as
well as physical and morale support to 25 year old Alonso Maldonado from
Honduras who suffered injuries as he jumped from a train near Vicksburg.
As a result of the accident, Alonso lost a leg. Evelin and Zulma Cuadra
lodged Alonso in their house for several days while he recuperated.
Otilia Sebuktekin arranged for a return ticket via an airline. In
addition, MHA arranged for the donation of a prosthetic leg.
Valentine's Day
dinner/dance celebration hosted at "Fernando's" restaurant in Clinton
(February 14th)
Easter
celebration hosted at Marcia Scantlebury's residence (April 11th)
Esperanza
Velásquez participated in an allocation of funds seminar held in Miami
(April 20th to the 23rd)
Board members
participated in the International Festival sponsored by the Old Capitol
Museum in Jackson (May 2nd)
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held at Roosevelt Park in Morton (May 9th)
MHA joins the
Mississippi Center for Non-profit (date ?)
Annual general
assembly held in the reception room of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
(May 30th)
MHA members
volunteered as translators in the International Ballet Competition
celebrated at Belhaven College in Jackson (June)
Participation in
the Children's Art Festival hosted by the Craftmen's Guild of
Mississippi, Inc. held at the Mississippi Craft Center on the Natchez
Trace Parkway in Ridgeland (June 6th)
Festival Latino
1998 held at LeFleur's Bluff State Park in Jackson (September 26th)
Mississippi Arts
Commission announces approval of a $10,000 grant for the establishment of
a folkloric dance group (October 1st)
Participation in
a press conference held in Port Gibson to officially announce the
donations granted to MHA (October 15th)
Second mini
soccer tournament coordinated by Efren Nunez, took place at the Clinton
soccer field (October 18th),
Registration of
the MHA before the Secretary of State (October 27th)
Halloween party
held at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson (October 31st)
MHA members
Evelin Cuadra and Edison Velásquez join the band "Banda Bronce"
Otilia
Sebuktekin organized a medicine, food, and clothes drive for the victims
of Hurricane Mitch which severely affected Central America, especially
Honduras. Sebuktekin, with the aide of National Guard Sergeant Carmen
Powell, two large containers carrying the donations received were
transported to Gulfport. The MHA also contributed funds collected from
members and friends.
State Department
of Education invited Esperanza Velásquez to present a talk at the State
Conference for English as Second Language and Bilingual Education held in
Jackson (November 17th). Esperanza's presentation focused on MHA's value
as an educational advocate.
Christmas basket
donations to three low-income families
Year 1999
Valentine's Day
dinner/dance celebration hosted at "Fernando's" restaurant in Clinton
(February 14th)
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held at Roosevelt Park in Morton (May 8th)
Annual general
assembly held in the reception room of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
in Jackson (May 29th)
Festival Latino
1999 held at LeFleur's Bluff State Park in Jackson (September 18th)
Third mini
soccer tournament took place at the Clinton soccer field (October 17th)
Halloween party
held in the Hall of Fame at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson (October
30th)
Esperanza
Velásquez represents the MHA in the Census 2000.
Year 2000
Esperanza
Velásquez continues her collaboration with the Census 2000.
Children's party
in celebration of "Día de los Reyes" (Wise Men Day) at Planet Rock in
Pearl (January 8th)
Valentine's Day
celebration held at the Club House in Woodstone Apartments in Clinton
(February 12th)
"Serenata
Latina" (Latin Serenade) held in the Music Hall of Fame at the
Agricultural Museum of Jackson. Participating in the event were: the
Latin American Ballet of Mississippi (sponsored by MHA), the band "Banda
Bronce", the trio "Los Romanticos", and other Hispanic youths.
Representatives of various countries performed dances and modeled
authentic attire from their native countries. (date ?)
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held at Roosevelt Park in Morton (May 5th)
Annual general
assembly held in the reception room of St. Peter's Church in Jackson (May
27th)
Father's Day
picnic hosted at Elsa and Brian Baughman's residence in Terry (June 17th)
Festival Latino
2000 held at LeFleur's Bluff State Park in Jackson (September 16th)
Multicultural
Family Day sponsored by the state's Postal Office (October 1st)
Fourth mini
soccer tournament held on "Dia de la Raza" (Columbus Day) and coordinated
by Efren Nunez, took place at Liberty Park in Madison (October 22nd)
Halloween party
held at the Agricultural Museum in Jackson (October 28th)
Christmas basket
donations to three low-income families
Evelin Cuadra,
MHA president, obtained Holiday Inn Hotel (Priority Club World) discounts
as well as AVIS Preferred Rent-a-Car discounts for MHA members.
Purchase of a
$10,000 Money Order for deposit at Trustmark Bank intended for the
purchase of a plot in downtown Jackson where headquarters will be built.
This sum resulted from the profits of the 1999 "Festival Latino".
MHA obtains its
first telephone and fax number: (601) 371-2869
Year 2001
MHA displays a
webpage on the internet: www.mshispanicassociation.com (January)
Invitation to
the "Majesty of Spain" Exhibit at the Mississippi Arts Pavillion
(February 26th)
Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) grants MHA non-profit entity status (April 4th)
Participation in
Mississippi State University's International Festival in Starkville
(April 7th)
Participation in
the "Americanos" Exhibit (May 18th - August 12th)
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held at LeFleur's Bluff State Park Pavillion
(May 19th)
Annual general
assembly held in the reception room of St. Peter's Church in Jackson
(June 2nd)
Father's Day
picnic hosted at David and Carmen Powell's residence (June 16th)
Dance and movie
at the Smith Robertson Museum, a function associated with the "Americanos"
Exhibit (August 4th)
Festival Latino
2001 held at Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson (September 28th)
María Emilia
Oropeza y María Rios represent MHA at the Farm Service Agency/USDA for
Hispanic Heritage Month (October 2nd)
Halloween party
held at Cascades Racquet Club in Clinton (October 27th)
Children's
Christmas party held at Planet Rock in Pearl (December 8th)
Year 2002
"Festival
Latino" is nominated for the 2002 Summit Award by the Jackson Convention
and Visitor's Bureau
Participation
(in the form of translation services) at the 1st Health Fair held at the
Jackson Medical Mall (April 20th)
Partnership with
BellSouth Pioneers in Jackson (May 10th)
Picnic for
Mother's Day celebration held at LeFleur's Bluff State Park in Jackson
(May 11th)
Attendance of
the Small Businesses Seminar held at the Inn & Suites Hotel in Pearl
presented by Janita Stewart, director of the Mississippi District Office
of the Small Business Administration (May 18th)
Father's Day
celebration hosted at Ed and Vickie Garcia's residence (June 15th)
Annual general
assembly held in the reception room of St. Teresa's Catholic Church in
Jackson (July 20th)
Festival Latino
2002 held at LeFluer's Bluff State Park in Jackson (September 14th)
Paco Rosales,
MHA president, was interviewed on the program "Face to Face", aired by
the Public Access Channel
Victoria
Scantlebury and Beverly Rosales give a presentation and represent MHA at
the USDA for Hispanic Heritage Month (October 16th)
MHA acquire new
legal advisor E. Michael Marks (October)
Halloween party
held at the Club House of Windsor Village Apartments (November 2nd)
Victoria
Scantlebury presents a lecture entitled "Las Posadas" (Homes) at McLaurin
School in Florence in collaboration with BellSouth Pioneer (December
11th)
Victoria
Scantlebury presents the lecture entitled "Las Posadas" (Homes) at the
EXCEL Center in Morton in collaboration with BellSouth Pioneer (December
14th & 19th)
Year 2003
Participation at
the 2nd Health Fair held at the Jackson Medical Mall (April 26th)
Mae Johnson of
the American Association of Retired People (AARP) presents at the monthly
MHA meeting (March 14th)
Mother's Day
celebration hosted at Ed and Vickie Garcia's residence (May 10th)
Participation
(of MHA members Elsa Baughman, Esperanza Velásquez, Beverly Rosales,
Zulma Cuadra, and Yolanda Folkins) in Take Part! Building Diversity in
Arts, sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission in Jackson (May 14th -
16th)
Father's Day
celebration hosted at Lee and Yolanda Folkin's residence (June 14th)
Paco Rosales,
MHA president, receives the "Home Town Heroe" award for his work in the
2002 "Festival Latino", presented by the Jackson Convention and Visitor's
Bureau at the Ramada Inn Southwest Hotel (June 13th)
The Jackson
Convention and Visitor's Bureau name Paco Rosales, MHA president, "Home
Town Heroe" for his leadership in the 2003 "Festival Latino" (June 13th)
Annual general
assembly held at Eudora Welty Library in Jackson (August 2nd)
Festival Latino
2003 held at Rapids on the Reservoir in Brandon (September 20th) |
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