In honor of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Affairs constructed its annual Ofrenda (altar), which this year honors Latino Education Advocates in the Inland Empire who are not with us anymore.
“Our Day of the Dead 2024 altar pays tribute to the Latinos who paved the way through Education,” said Petra Alexander, Director of the Office of Hispanic Affairs.
Many Latinos have been teachers, mentors, administrators of different institutions, and have been the support and motivation for other Latinos to overcome challenges and achieve academic excellence. This altar from the Office of Hispanic Affairs honored different leaders who ‘blazed the trail’ by overcoming adversities, obtaining degrees that later allowed them to hold positions in educational institutions, and, from there, they became advocates for their community.
The individuals honored on this altar include:
- Barbara Chávez: First Latina on the Fontana School Board.
- Armando Vazquez-Ramos: Educator; Latino Educational Promoter.
- Graciano Gómez: Founder of Inland Empire Hispanic News newspaper; educational advocate.
- Dr. Tomás Rivera: Author, poet, and educator. Chancellor of UC, Riverside, first Mexican-American chancellor in UC system.
- Dr. Tom Rivera: Teacher, motivator, author, and researcher; advocate for special education.
- Rev. Patricio Guillén: Promoter of Latinos in higher education.
- Antonio Bernabé: Community Organizer for Day Laborers; informal education.
- Gil Navarro: Inland Empire Activist; educational advocate.