In 1969, the Alamo
Neighborhood Improvement Association was formed to
clean up trash in the neighborhood. Tons of
trash was removed from the alleys between 10th
Street and I-40. this association helped the
Mexican American community to be proud of their
language, and their culture. Once the
community had a good image of themselves then others
would see the values of the culture.
In 1970, El Consejo was organized to encourage
Hispanic youth to continue their education beyond
high school. This organization worked with the
school administration and particularly Caprock High
School. El Consejo provided volunteers to
Caprock social functions such as sports activities
and dances. the organization provided
transportation to Leveland Junior College for all
Hispanic seniors from Caprock High School to
participate in the college visitation day.
In 1971, El barrio al Este de Amarillo was organized.
Later the group grew to include all the barrios in
Amarillo and changed its name to Los Barrios de
Amarillo. Los Barrios was formed to correct
cultural, educational, and socioeconomic problems in
the Mexican American community. The majority
of members were Mexican American professionals and
businessmen and women who were interested in working
with the youth of the barrio by becoming involved
with the problems and encouraging the youth to
further their education beyond high school.
The need for barrio youth to have role-models was of
utmost importance. All for the Mexican American
members of Los Barrios had grown up in a barrio at
some time in their lives and had lived under the
same conditions that the youth were living under.
These members could give the barrio youth hope for
the future, not only by example, but by providing
help and scholarships for those interested in
furthering their education.
The first Hispanic career day was held at Caprock
High School on a Saturday morning. Other
career days were held at West Texas State University
(currently West Texas A&M University), Amarillo
College, and Wesley Community Center.
In 1989, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joined
forces with Los Barrios de Amarillo to co-sponsor
the annual youth career conference and at that time
the "Step Up to Success" name was adopted.
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