Lupe Mendez's New Book: WE EXIST IN THE WHISPER - Huelga School Verses
Nuestra Palabra is proud to present the next session of its Civil Rights Series:
Lupe Mendez presents his new book We Exist in the Whisper: Huelga School Verses.
This special evening brings together a curated lineup of voices connected to Houston’s desegregation era, taking place on the original site of one of the historic huelga schools.
Speakers include Gloria Rubac, Librotraficante La Gloria, one of the original huelga school teachers.
Master of Ceremonies:
Tony Diaz, El Librotraficante, Founder & Director of Nuestra Palabra: Latinos Having Their Say.
Discover the history. Learn the history. Experience the history.
“One day all these classrooms
will no longer hold any of us. /
Leave no evidence we were here.
We exist in the whisper…”
Through poetry, oral histories, archival materials, and historical documents, Lupe Mendez captures a pivotal moment in Houston history during the early 1970s, when Mexican-American communities resisted racist school desegregation policies by organizing walkouts — huelgas — and creating their own freedom schools in churches, homes, and community centers.
Blending poetry with research and testimony, We Exist in the Whisper explores memory, resistance, education, and the lasting impact these movements had on Houston and future generations of Mexican-American leadership.
A powerful and thought-provoking work for anyone interested in civil rights, education, history, and the fight for equality.
Books will be available for purchase and signing through Nuestra Palabra. Every purchase supports our mission to overcome barriers to books by and about our communities while sustaining our underground, overground, community, and family libraries.
Free admission.
Learn more about our mission at www.nuestrapalabra.org
Sponsors:
NHPO