El Corazón de Tejas: Central Chapter of REFORMA
2004-2005 Annual Report

TEXAS LATINO VOICES

Working in collaboration with the Austin Public Library, the Dallas Public Library, the Texas Center for the Book and thru a donation from Humanities Texas, we hosted two programs highlighting Chicana authors. Our first program in March was held at the Carver Branch and featured author Teresa Palomo Acosta. Ms. Acosta discussed her varied works and made connections to the theme of Texas Latino Literature. The second program in April was held at the St. John Branch with the works of Diane Gonzales Bertrand. Both programs were well attended by a variety of community members, including elementary school students. The authors fielded several questions and helped students make connections to writing. Our chapter hosted receptions as part of the programs.

EN MI FAMILIA QUILT PROJECT

In 2004, Paola Ferate-Soto, guided the creation of several community quilts using the works of Carmen Lomas Garza and the theme of Mi Familia. In April 2005, during the Texas Library Association’s Annual Conference, these quilts were displayed as part of a celebration for the 15th anniversary of Family Pictures. The event took place at Mexic-Arte Museum with a book signing by Carmen Lomas Garza.

DIA DE LOS NIÑOS / DIA DE LOS LIBROS

This year we celebrated Austin’s 7th Annual celebration. El Corazón was once again one of the sponsors of this event by providing volunteers. We had a poetry booth with word cut outs in English and in Spanish.

SPEAKERS

We held meetings regularly and invited diverse speakers from the profession. Our speakers included Ron Pollock, Director of Career Services from the School of Information at the University of Texas, and Irene Gonzales, Mexican American Neighborhood Liaison for the Austin History Center. In addition we are lucky to have Dr. Loriene Roy and Dr. Barbara Immroth in our chapter as they provide informal mentorship, as well as updates on scholarships and other educational opportunities.

Respectfully submitted,

Maribel A. Garza
El Corazón de Tejas: Central Texas Chapter of REFORMA President, 2004-2005 June 2005