By: B.J. Coleman<\/p>\n
Bankers Hill resident Delia H. Talamantez is slated to be honored on Saturday, May 11, at the 50th Anniversary Ball of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County. Talamantez will be named the recipient of the 2019 Chicano Federation Visionary Award at the gala celebration, which will be held at the Downtown U.S. Grant Hotel.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been involved with civil rights most of my life,\u201d Talamantez said. \u201cI was always getting involved in helping other people \u2014 through church, and through advising politicians. I have always been passionate about civil rights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talamantez worked with the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) on their Anti-Poverty project from 1966-68, ending up as director. \u201cThat was a wonderful experience,\u201d Talamantez said, despite the 16-hour work days.<\/p>\n
She experienced the stinging bias of racism but decided to overcome fear and speak up.<\/p>\n
Talamantez participated in a recent round-table interview anticipating the 50th anniversary celebration, together with Nancy Maldonado, new CEO of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County; and Mario X. Sierra, Chicano Federation board chairman.<\/p>\n
The interview commenced with background and review of the federation\u2019s half-century of community advocacy and service. Maldonado, who was named CEO in January, offered a quick synopsis of the organization\u2019s changing arc of community service over the past five decades. Maldonado noted that the federation was born of advocacy first, to unite more than 40 small groups to support Latino rights and civil rights. Chicano Park was at risk, Barrio Logan was split by freeways, and many former residents were left without homes.<\/p>\n
Talamantez added her perspective on the days of the 1969 assembly of the federation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 1960s were a time of protest,\u201d Talamantez said. \u201cAs immigrants, we were conservative, and taking this step, like we did, was bold. We took over the park, which gave the community power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maldonado gave more of the historical background, observing that the Chicano Federation has evolved into a direct community service organization these days, responding to critical community needs, focusing mainly on low-income community members but serving anyone who qualifies for federation programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe struggle is still on,\u201d Maldonado said.<\/p>\n
Maldonado is looking toward new visions of the second half-century of Chicano Federation community service.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy vision is leading in social services that are so desperately needed,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cWe were once great; we will be again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mario Sierra was born in Tijuana and is an engineer with the city of San Diego\u2019s Environmental Services Department. Talamantez met Sierra through the Civil Service Commission and she invited him to join the Chicano Federation board.<\/p>\n
When he was 15 and 16, Sierra worked summertime jobs in conjunction with The Chicano Federation. He assisted non-English-speaking persons with acquiring child care and filling out tax preparation papers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could see the difference this was making for the community, in what was then known as Shelltown,\u201d Sierra said. \u201cI realized I loved nonprofit work.\u201d He mentioned in particular the collaborative services on behalf of child development, nutritional support and senior housing. Within a year of being named to the federation board, Sierra was promoted to chairing the board.<\/p>\n
Sierra happens to be the person who first thought of and nominated Talamantez for the award. When the Chicano Federation Visionary Award nominations were opened, Sierra said, \u201cDelia came to mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDelia is a strong leader,\u201d Sierra said. \u201cDelia does that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maldonado agreed. \u201cThat\u2019s true leadership,\u201d Maldonado said. \u201cAnd she brings an important historical perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also slated to receive honorary recognition at the Chicano Federation 50th Anniversary Ball is Irma Castro, the federation\u2019s longtime executive director, who left her role in 1991. Castro will receive the Chicano Federation Legacy Award.<\/p>\n
Organizers of the gala hope to raise $250,000 to support programs for child development, affordable housing and other services for San Diego County families. The ball is sold out, but the federation seeks continuing monetary donations and donated items and services for auction. Additionally, volunteers are always eagerly welcomed. More information is available online at chicanofederation.org<\/a> or by phone at 619-285-5600.<\/p>\n