The Segundo Barrio is not just a neighborhood; it's the heart and soul of many of us who call El Paso home. For generations, it has been a place rich in culture, history, and community. However, what the Segundo Barrio lacks is a dedicated space for social and cultural events—a space where we can gather, celebrate, and educate one another. This is why we are calling on the City of El Paso, TX, to create the Salvador " Huevo" Ramirez Plaza.

The Salvador Ramirez Plaza would provide the residents of Segundo Barrio with a much-needed venue to host fiestas, educational gatherings, art exhibits, and more. Imagine a vibrant space where community members of all ages can come together to learn, share stories, and celebrate our culture. This plaza could become a cornerstone of community life, building bridges among generations and fostering a sense of unity and pride.

Creating a plaza dedicated to Salvador "Huevo" Ramirez would not only honor an important figure in our community but would also signal an investment in the people of El Paso. Studies have shown that public spaces like community plazas can improve mental health, boost local economies, and reduce crime rates. Furthermore, they provide a platform for arts and education, which are crucial for personal and community development.

Currently, the Segundo Barrio is one of the oldest neighborhoods in El Paso. It deserves the resources that would help it thrive and grow. By creating the Salvador Ramirez Plaza, the city would be making a commitment to preserving and enhancing our cultural heritage. And it can be done in a way that respects our history while looking toward a vibrant future.

We urge the City of El Paso to take this step toward enriching the lives of its residents by creating the Salvador  Ramirez Plaza. This project has the potential  to transform the Segundo Barrio into a beacon of community spirit and cultural engagement.

Please sign this petition to show your support for this important initiative. Together, we can make the Salvador Ramirez Plaza a reality.

Why does Salvador Ramirez deserve to be honored with a Plaza named after him?

He was an El Paso, Texas  native who was born on August 25, 1932 . He grew up in Segundo Barrio on 7th Street, attended Alamo Elementary School, graduated from Cathedral High school, and later, Texas Western College. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and became a drill instructor.

He worked his way through college doing janitorial work for the Boy’s Club and eventually became executive director of the club. He was appointed to the staff of the Boy’s Club in 1956 and guided the club in its expansion to two centers on Florence Street and Delta Street.

He was a national consultant for federal programs including VISTA, Head Start, Colorado Migrant Council, and Upward Bound, and director of El Paso’s Juvenile Delinquency Project.

In 1964 he won the Kiwanis International Golden Anniversary Service Award. In 1967, he was given a Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award. He was one of five Outstanding Young Texans of 1967, named by the Texas Jaycees. He was the first Mexican American from the Southwest to be nominated for the honor. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce named him on its 1968 list of 10 Outstanding Young Men.

In 1969, he left El Paso for Boulder, Colorado where he completed his doctorate in sociology and became Director of Chicano Studies.

His overall effect on many Barrio youth was his promotion of and efforts to guide them into higher education. He also played a pivotal role in identifying, recruiting, and inspiring individuals to dedicate some part of their lives to helping Barrio youth through his work with Father Rahm and Our Lady’s Youth Center, the Boys Club, Texas Western’s Sociology professor Clark Knowlton, the Juvenile Delinquency Project, and his role at CU at Boulder, and beyond.

He was instrumental in influencing individuals like Lalo Delgado, Memo Acosta, Andy Mares, Jesus Murillo, Bill Brown, and others to work with Segundo Barrio youth. His efforts ultimately resulted in the creation of  Project Bravo, MACHOS, and MAYA.

A prominent Chicano activist and community leader, he was a defining figure in El Paso's social history. His legacy is closely tied to his work with youth and the Chicano Movement, particularly in South El Paso: 

• Community Leadership: He served as the director of the El Paso Boys Club, providing a safe gathering place for children from various "barrios" (neighborhoods) during a time when public parks were scarce.
• Activism: Ramirez was a key figure in organizations such as MAYA (Mexican American Youth Association), MACHOS (Mexican-American Committee on Honor, Opportunity, and Service), and Project Bravo.
• Educational Impact: His influence extended to higher education, as he helped El Paso youth secure scholarships to attend universities like the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the University of Colorado at Boulder.
• Cultural Legacy: He is remembered for his dedication to El Segundo Barrio. 
   

               “We want to destroy stereotypes. We want to give the Mexican Americans in the state an equal opportunity.” - Salvador Ramirez