PRESS RELEASE: Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission Launches Initiative for 4 New Latino Landmarks

 

To the News Desk,

In Harris County, there are 800 recognized historical landmarks. Only 30 currently commemorate Latino history. >

The Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission  is moving to change that narrative. We are formally announcing a targeted initiative to establish four new county-level landmarks—including a memorial for Joe Campos Torres and the iconic "The Rebirth of Our Nationality" mural—with a goal of installation by the end of 2026.

Please find the full press release and commission details below. I am available for interviews regarding the selection of these sites and our efforts to preserve Houston’s full historical record.

David Contreras Chair, Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission

281-857-2766

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission Announces Initiative to Correct Historical Disparity with Four New Landmarks

HOUSTON, TX – April [Date], 2026 – The Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission (HCHCHC) today announced a targeted initiative to establish four new county-level historical landmarks. This effort addresses a critical gap in the county’s historical record: of the 800 recognized landmarks in Harris County, only 30 currently commemorate Latino individuals, events, or structures, with 20 of those dating back to the pre-1900s.

By pursuing Harris County Historical Landmark designations rather than state markers, the HCHCHC aims to streamline the approval timeline from four years to approximately 9 to 12 months. The Commission’s goal is to have at least one to two of these markers installed by the end of 2026.

"Our county's history must accurately reflect the diversity and contributions of all its residents," said David Contreras, Chair of the HCHCHC. "These four sites were chosen for their profound impact on the cultural and social fabric of our community. Recognizing them formally is a necessary step in preserving Houston's full historical record."

The four proposed landmark sites are:

• Joe Campos Torres Civil Rights and Social Justice Reform Memorial (1301 Commerce Street): A pivotal site honoring Joe Campos Torres, whose tragic death in 1977 became a catalyst for systemic police reform and the birth of the modern civil rights movement in Houston.

• The Rebirth of Our Nationality (5900 Canal Street): Commemorating the iconic mural by Leo Tanguma, this landmark recognizes a masterpiece of Chicano art that captures the struggle, identity, and endurance of the Mexican American community.

• Yolanda Black Navarro (Villa Arcos, 3009 Navigation Blvd): Honoring a tireless community advocate whose work in the East End paved the way for increased political representation and social services for Latino residents.

• BakerRipley Community Center (4410 Navigation Blvd): Recognized for decades of service as a cornerstone of integration and support, providing essential resources that have empowered generations of immigrant families.

The HCHCHC will submit the completed applications to the Harris County Historical Commission by the end of March 2026. To fund the plaque fabrication and inscription—estimated at $2,500 per marker—the Commission is launching a $10,000 fundraising campaign targeting corporate donations, public contributions, and heritage grants to ensure the project does not strain public coffers.

Media Contact:

David Contreras, Chair

Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission

Dcontre575@aol.com

281-857-2766

HCHCHC MISSION

The Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission is dedicated to identifying, preserving and promoting Hispanic Cultural Heritage across the county. This broadly includes events, landmarks, language and arts, history and sciences.

HCHCHC Commissioners:

Mary L. Ramos • David Contreras • Benito Guerrier, AIA • Carlos A. Duarte • Michelle Tovar, Ed.D. • Justice David M. Medina • Mikaela Selley, MA, CA

David Contreras

Past LULAC National Historian

Chair - Harris County Hispanic Cultural Heritage Commission 

President - Latino Educational Archival Programs (LEAP)

ALMAAHH Founding Member

Dcontre575@aol.com

281-857-2766