Ramsey Muñiz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ramsey Muñiz
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Muñiz in 1976
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| Born |
Ramiro Muñiz
December 13, 1942 Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | October 2, 2022 (aged 79) Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Baylor University Baylor University Law School |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Political party | Mexican American Youth Organization (1969) Raza Unida Party (1972) |
| Spouse(s) | Irma L. Muñiz |
Ramiro Muñiz, known as Ramsey Muñiz (December 13, 1942 – October 2, 2022), was an American political activist. A political activist is someone who works to bring about social or political change. Muñiz was a Mexican American who ran for governor of Texas in 1972 and 1974. He ran as the candidate for the Raza Unida Party, a political party focused on the rights of Mexican Americans.
He lost both elections to Dolph Briscoe, a Democrat. Briscoe was a wealthy banker and landowner from Uvalde, Texas. Ramsey Muñiz was the first Hispanic person whose name appeared on a Texas governor's election ballot.
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Early Life and Background
Muñiz was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was one of five children born to Rudy G. and Hilda Muñiz. His family faced financial struggles. To help them, Ramsey took many jobs when he was a boy.
He remembered working hard in cotton fields with his mother and brother. They would start early in the morning and work until late afternoon. His mother worked alongside them, showing great strength and love. Ramsey wanted to make his mother proud. By the time he was fourteen, he could pick a lot of cotton in a single day.
Education and Early Career
Even in junior high school, Ramsey Muñiz worked for fairness. He helped get equal representation for minority students on the student council. At Miller High School, he was a football player. He once organized a protest to support the first African American student who wanted to join the cheerleading squad.
Muñiz earned a scholarship to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. In 1971, he earned his law degree from Baylor Law School. He worked as an assistant coach to help pay for his studies.
While in law school, Muñiz joined the Mexican American Youth Organization. This group, known as MAYO, was politically active. After law school, Muñiz worked as an attorney. He practiced law in Waco, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi.
Political Journey and Activism
Ramsey Muñiz often gave speeches at colleges and universities. He spoke at places like Harvard University and the University of California at Berkeley. He talked about the need for political, social, and spiritual awareness. Other famous speakers of his time included Cesar Chavez and Angela Davis.
Running for Governor
In 1972, at twenty-nine years old, Muñiz ran for governor of Texas. He was the candidate for the La Raza Unida Party. He was working as an attorney at the time. Although the minimum age to be governor is thirty, he would have reached that age before the inauguration.
His campaign focused on issues important to Hispanic communities. His running mate for lieutenant governor was Alma Canales. She was a farmworker and student. She ran to highlight issues important to women.
Election Results
In the 1972 election, Muñiz ran against the Democrat Dolph Briscoe and the Republican Henry Grover. Muñiz received 214,118 votes, which was about 6 percent of the total. Even though he didn't win, Muñiz believed his campaign helped Mexican Americans. He felt it gave them a strong political voice.
Muñiz ran for governor again in 1974. He received fewer votes this time but about the same percentage as in 1972. He lost again to Dolph Briscoe. Briscoe won a four-year term as governor, the first since 1873.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1976, Ramsey Muñiz faced legal challenges. He was imprisoned for five years. This event greatly affected the Raza Unida Party. After his release, he worked as a legal assistant. He later faced further legal troubles and was again imprisoned.
Ramsey Muñiz always believed he was a political prisoner. He maintained a website asking for his freedom. He was eventually released on December 10, 2018, due to health reasons. Ramsey Muñiz passed away on October 2, 2022. He died from complications of myasthenia gravis, a medical condition.
