During a spirited celebration last month, a Michigan historical marker was unveiled in Southwest Detroit that celebrated the contributions Mexican immigrants and Texas transplants made to the region, centering on Tejano music.
“I know. It’s about time,” Sandra Clark, Michigan History Center director, said at the event. “I’m hoping there’s going to be a lot more following soon.”
The event took place during Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Groups like the Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus have been highlighting its significance.
“For me, this month is about celebrating the countless men and women who came before us and didn’t have the opportunities or representation we do,” said state Sen. Darrin Callimeri (D-Trenton) in a news release. “Until 1998, we didn’t have any Latino representation in the state legislature at all, and while we’ve made great strides since then, we still have a lot more work to do.”
Since 1955, more than 1,800 historical markers have been erected across the state. This new historical marker, however, is the first dedicated solely to the state’s Latino community emanating from Mexico.
In addition to the state marker, community members also added a second plaque that honored several Detroit Tejano pioneers. Tejanos are the residents of the state of Texas who are culturally descended from the Mexican population of Tejas and Coahuila that lived in the region prior to it becoming what is now known as the state of Texas before it became a U.S. state in 1845.
The markers are located at 2826 Bagley St. across the street from the Detroit Mexicantown International Welcome Center.
The marker effort was spearheaded by Martin H. Solis Jr. Tejano Association and the Michigan Music Hall of Fame. Third Man Records, the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, SCP Radio, and the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University also offered a contribution.
Dozens of area residents attended the ceremony and were joined by Detroit Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison, state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Detroit City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX