Veva's Barrio Memory A Fondness for a Teacher Who Loved Her Students

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA & VivianBustillo Keith FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

In the 1930s, Veva Moncada

Bustillos attended Guadalupe Elementary School from the first through sixth grades. She was inspired by a teacher who truly advocated for Hispanic children, Mrs. Duvall.

Social wise there was not a lot for teens to do in the barrio (neighborhood) but fortunately, Mrs. Duvall arranged for school dances to encourage socializing and to keep students from getting in trouble outside of school.

Bustillos emphasized that Mrs. Duvall was her favorite teacher because she always had a special place in her heart for the neighborhood students who were predominately Hispanic, poor, and dealt with discrimination. She said that Mrs. Duvall was committed to her students’ educational success as well as their quality of life.

“She would take us to the city doctor, Dr. Rollo when we were ill. She encouraged us to learn and stay out of trouble. She held school dances for the older students. She even helped those students that needed clothes and food,” said Bustillos. The dances were fun for the older kids. They got a chance to dress up, enjoy music, learn new dance steps, and spend time with friends.

When she completed the sixth grade, she asked Mrs. Duvall if she could repeat the sixth grade.

When she was asked why she replied that she was intimidated by Carroll Thompson Jr. High School. Regardless, her teacher continued to encourage her.

Unfortunately, the following year, Veva attended junior high, and sadly, she dropped out. Later, she explained that she was discouraged by the second-rate treatment she and the other Hispanic students experienced.

“We were all placed in one classroom. The other students had separate classrooms for each of their subjects and had access to the cafeteria while we were required to eat in their classroom.”

Veva felt that there were many inequities and injustices and felt hopeless and became discouraged.

Today, the 97-year-old gets giddy as she remembers the happy memories of her youth, and is especially grateful to her teacher, the late Mrs. Duvall, whom she continued to emphasize was a great example and truly loved her students by bringing them joy and helping them experience and create great memories.

Veva still lives in the historical barrio de Guadalupe in North Lub- bock with her daughter Lupe Reyes and still holds fondly the dances and experiences of her youth.

Los Hermanos Familia (LHF) of Lubbock is now accepting nominations for the 7th Annual “Adelante Awards,” a recognition program that will showcase and honor Hispanic men in the Lubbock and surrounding community, who excel in their careers and volunteer efforts.

Thirteen individuals will be selected in the following categories: Education, Medical, Business Owner, Professional, First Responder, Military/Veteran, Church, Civic/Volunteer, Media, Arts & Entertainment, Athlete/ Athletics Supporter, College Young Adult, and Youth.

In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has continuously paved the trail for others. Members of the community can submit a nomination for an individual in the respective category, and an independent, anonymous panel of judges will determine the recipients.

The Adelante Awards Gala is LHF's largest fundraiser and benefits many of its programs.

And this year's gala theme will be in coordination with Cinco de Mayo and will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023. The theme will follow the observance with a Mexican Fiesta.

They invite the public to consider nominating individuals from their organization, business, workplace, or church communities whom they believe deserve such recognition. Online nominations can be made at www.loshermanosfamilia.org.

The Adelante Awards Gala is LHF's largest fundraiser and benefits many of its programs. To be a sponsor or for ticket information, please contact (806) 792-1212, or visit www.loshermanosfamilia.org.

2023 Save the Dates to Consider

Los Hermanos Familia announced some of its highlight events coming in 2023 urging the public to save the dates.

The Bilingual Financial Literacy Workshop will take place each Tuesday in April.

The 7th Annual Adelante Awards Gala will be held Friday, May 5, 2023.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Veva provided Latino Lubbock Magazine with two photos taken around 1937 of one of the dances when Veva was 12 yearsold. During an interview with her daughter Vivian Bustillos Keith, she was able to remember the names of all the students in the group photo.

First row: Johnny Carmona, Juana Stone, Avar Lucero, Pilar Bustillos, Juan Lovato. Second row: Amada Lara, Manuel Espita, Consuela Dumas, Miguel Badillo, Veva Moncada, Julian Badillo, Gilbert Chavez, Anita Berlanga, Chona, Ray Rubio. Third row: Macaria Moreno, Domingo Flores, Teresforo Lara, Paula Garcia, Isidro Berlanga, Hermenia Berlanga. Fourth row: Concha Figarova, Reyes Bustillos, Estelta Chavez, Torpido, Prestinia Chavez.

The 9th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The 15th Annual "Vamos a Pescar, Let's Go Fishing" Event will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023.

The 8th Annual Veteran's Parade will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023.

A complete list of calendar events, projects, dates and details or online registration can be found at www.loshermanosfamilia.org. For sponsorship or additional info call (806)792-1212.

Lubbock Isd School Board Recognized During School

BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH: January was officially School Board Recognition Month in the state of Texas! Gov. Abbott issued a proclamation stating, "To catch a glimpse of the Texas of tomorrow, we need only look into the classrooms of today." The proclamation also acknowledged the importance of locally-elected boards. Congratulations from Latino Lubbock Magazine!