Adelfa Botello Callejo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adelfa Botello Callejo
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Adelfa Callejo, from a 1978 publication of the Federal Women's Program
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| Born | June 10, 1923 Millett, Texas
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| Died | January 25, 2014 Dallas, Texas
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| Occupation | Lawyer, civil rights activist |
Adelfa Botello Callejo (June 10, 1923 – January 25, 2014) was an American lawyer and a champion for civil rights. She was of Mexican descent and worked hard to make things fair for everyone. She received many important awards for her work, including the Ohtli award from the Mexican government and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Award.
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Biography
Early Life and Education
Adelfa Botello was born in Millett, Texas, on June 10, 1923. Her father was from Mexico, and her mother was born in Texas. Adelfa went to Cotulla High School. In 1939, her family moved to Dallas. She started taking night classes at Southern Methodist University (SMU) to continue her education.
During World War II, Adelfa moved to California. She went there to help her brother, who was hurt in the war. While in California, she started her own business. She worked in import and export, bringing goods in and sending them out. She also met William "Bill" F. Callejo, and they got married in Dallas around 1946.
A Pioneer in Law
After getting married, Adelfa went back to SMU to finish her studies. She earned a law degree in 1961. This was a big achievement because she was the first Hispanic woman to graduate with a law degree from SMU's Dedman School of Law.
After graduation, Adelfa opened her own law office. She became the first Mexican American woman to practice law in Dallas. Later, her husband Bill also finished law school. Together, they started their own law firm called Callejo and Callejo.
Fighting for Rights
Adelfa was a strong voice for civil rights. She helped start the Mexican-American Bar Association of Texas. This group later became the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association. She also led the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations.
Adelfa worked to make sure everyone had a fair chance. She was involved in protests for justice in 1973 and 2010. She also helped organize protests in 1982 to support Mexican parents in Oak Cliff. She worked to change how Dallas city leaders were chosen. This helped neighborhoods get a better say in local government. She also helped create a program to keep students from dropping out of Dallas schools.
Adelfa served on many important boards. These included the Dallas Housing Authority and Dallas Area Rapid Transit. She also helped with the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport board.
Lasting Legacy
Adelfa Callejo passed away in Dallas on January 25, 2014, at the age of 90. She left behind a powerful legacy. In 2004, Adelfa and her husband gave over a million dollars to the SMU law school. This money helped create the Adelfa Botello Callejo Leadership and Latino Studies Institute. This institute helps future leaders and supports studies about Latino communities. They also ran the Callejo-Botello Foundation, which helped many causes.
Awards and Honors
Adelfa Botello Callejo received many awards for her important work. The Mexican government honored her with the Ohtli award. In 2012, the State Bar of Texas named her a Texas Legal Legend. She also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Award from the Dallas Bar Association.
Other honors include the League of United Latin American Citizens Hispanic Entrepreneurship Award. She also got the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas Lifetime Achievement Award. The Sandra Day O'Connor Award was another special recognition. To honor her, an elementary school in Dallas was named the Adelfa Botello Callejo Elementary School.
