Severita Lara facts for kids

Severita Lara was born on February 6, 1952. She is a Mexican-American activist from Crystal City, Texas. She became famous for leading a student walkout at Crystal City High School in 1969. Later, she ran for county judge in 1986. In 1992, she was elected to the city council in Crystal City.

Severita's Early Life

Severita Lara grew up speaking Spanish. She went to a preschool where she learned to write, speak, and read in Spanish. At Zavala Elementary School, she was in a special program called "zero bola." This program was for Mexican students, even if they spoke English well.

When she was in junior high, Severita's father did not want her speaking Spanish at school. With help from the principal, she was sent to the library as a punishment. But this time helped her discover a love for reading and books. Severita later attended Crystal City High School, where most students were Chicano.

The Crystal City High School Walkout

Even though most students at Crystal City High School were Chicano, they faced unfair treatment. For example, there was segregation, meaning students were kept separate. Also, Chicano students were not well represented in activities like the cheerleading squad.

Some former students and Jose Angel Gutierrez, from the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), tried to help. They presented a list of student demands at a school board meeting. However, the school board did not listen and ended the meeting quickly.

Severita Lara then wrote a petition for the school board. Many students and their parents supported her. But the board still ignored their requests. Because of this, about 500 students walked out of school on the first day. Soon, up to 1,700 students from elementary to high school joined the walkout. In the end, the walkouts were successful. The school board finally listened to the students' demands.

Life After the Walkout

After high school, Severita Lara went to St. Mary's University in Texas. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology and also studied chemistry. She then received a scholarship called Becas de Aztlan. This allowed her to attend medical school at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City.

In 1984, Severita moved back to Crystal City. She got a job teaching biology, chemistry, and physiology at Crystal City High School. Later, she became the school librarian.

Severita's Political Career

In 1986, Severita Lara ran for county judge as a Democrat. She won the first election, but lost after a recount. She decided not to run again because her health was not good.

Later, she successfully ran for a spot on the Crystal City council. The next year, she was appointed mayor. Her main goal as mayor was to create a recreation center called Mexico Chico. In 1996, she faced another election but was not successful. She then chose not to run for another term.

Later Life and Legacy

Severita Lara decided to leave politics to earn her master's degree. She worked to create grants that would fund arts and recreation programs for children. As a teacher, Severita continued to teach students in Crystal City. She taught them about the importance of the Chicano movement and its history.