Community members spoke about unity and its importance at this year’s Cinco de Mayo Unity Luncheon, which took place Thursday afternoon at the Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
The event was put on by Hispanic Heritage of Odessa.
Numerous people from around the community were recognized at the luncheon as different awards were given out.
Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
State Farm Agent and former Odessa City Councilman Filiberto Gonzales began the unity portion of the event.
“Every year, we select different individuals that have made a positive impact in the community of Odessa and the people of Ector County,” Filberto said.
At last year’s luncheon, healthcare workers from around the area were honored for their work during the ongoing COVID pandemic.
This year, Odessa Police Department Chief Mike Gerke, Sgt. Elizabeth Baeza of the Ector County Sheriff’s Office and Jeanette Fierro of Hispanic Heritage of Odessa all spoke on unity.
“Unity, unfortunately, is not so easily achieved,” Gerke said to the attendees. “ A simple definition of unity which is a state being united or joined together as a whole. But how do we get there? I believe the main component of unity is having a common goal.”
Gerke then used the United States in World War II as an example in his speech as well as Mexico’s battle against the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla.
“The military men were going off to war to fight that evil. But also remember the people in the home front had to do their part. But think about the Mexican army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The Mexican army was poorly equipped compared to the French and outnumbered but they prevailed because they had unity and purpose.”
He also spoke about compromise.
“Compromise is important because we all have different ideas of what’s important,” Gerke said. “These different priorities will naturally cause friction but that’s a good thing.”
Gerke finished his speech by talking about the importance of moving forward.
“To move forward as a community and a nation, we have to embrace our differences,” Gerke said. “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The power of unity is bringing those strengths together.”
Another theme throughout the luncheon was about paving the way for future generations.
Former Odessa Mayor Lorraine Perryman and Delma Abalos encouraged those in attendance at Thursday’s luncheon to go out and vote in the upcoming ECISD bond referendum on May 7.
In two separate positions, the $398 million bond includes a new comprehensive high school, technology upgrades, a career and technical education center and maintenance and life cycle repairs.
Proposition A for $215,255,000 includes maintenance and life cycle repairs/replacement for school buildings at a cost of $130,255,000. This includes various projects for electrical mechanical, plumbing, fire and life safety and others at schools and auxiliary buildings. Also included is the construction of a new Career & Technical Education Center for $70 million.
Proposition B for $183,000,000 includes a new comprehensive high school designed for 2,500 to 2,800 students with about 400,000 square feet.
“It is paramount to the economic future of Ector County that we invest in this,” Perryman said. “Business and industries will not move here if we do not have a functioning, high performing school district and facilities that meet the needs of today and the future.”
Perryman continued, using the Battle of Puebla as an example.
“We, the people are the ones that need to fight for this just like in the Battle of Puebla,” Perryman said. “The only way we win is for us as citizens to fight for this.”
Abalos spoke about the possible new high school.
“This high school is not for just one side of town,” Abalos said. “The fact is, there is a 72 percent majority Hispanics in our district. That’s not going away either. We’re building this for our kids.”
Baeza echoed some of the thoughts from Perryman and Abalos in her speech and reminded the community members to always get involved and vote.
“Let’s pave the way for the next generations,” Baeza said. “Fight to make a difference in our community today. You don’t like the way things are, get involved. Get out and vote. Don’t sit there and complain. Go out there and vote.”
Baeza recently won the race for the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 back in March, winning the Democratic Primary. There were no Republican or independent challengers for that precinct.
Fierro talked about diversity in her speech.
“Our community, Odessa, has so much potential,” Fierro said. “We should never waste it.”
She also challenged everyone to get to know each other.
“Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and have a conversation with a stranger,” Fierro said. “You never know what it will bring.”
Hispanic Heritage of Odessa President Liliana Marquez delivered the opening remarks to the luncheon.
State Representative for District 81 Brooks Landgraf and his wife Shelby Landgraf did the prayer and Fire Chief John Alvarez led a moment of silence before the posting of the flags from the Odessa Fire & Rescue Honor Guard.
City Councilman Mark Matta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sondra Eoff and her husband Toby Eoff were awarded the Julian Rubio Puro Corazon Award during the luncheon.
