Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Holds Ceremony to Rename Houston Post Office in Honor of Latino Civil Rights Leader Benny C. Martinez

Houston, TX - Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) led a heartfelt dedication ceremony to name the post office on 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas after Benny C. Martinez, a beloved veteran, a LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) social justice leader for more than six decades, and a fierce advocate for Houston's Latino community.

"Benny's contributions were bold and fearless-from the Little School of 400, which helped lay the groundwork for the Head Start program and our Head Start babies, to standing up for workers' rights through impactful boycotts. His determination led to moments of historic importance, including welcoming President Kennedy to a LULAC gathering in 1963-just a day before the tragedy in Dallas," said Congresswoman Garcia.

"Naming this post office after Benny Martinez holds special significance, especially as we continue to see more landmarks honor Latino leaders. It's not only a tribute to Benny's powerful legacy of advocating for social justice, education, and Hispanic representation, but it also reinforces the vital contributions of Latinos across America," concluded Congresswoman Garcia.

The dedication ceremony brought together Benny Martinez's family, local leaders, and community members to honor his lifetime of service and advocacy. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia was joined by Congressman Al Green, National LULAC Chair Domingo Garcia, keynote speaker Dr. Andres Tijerina, and others, who celebrated Martinez's lasting leadership and contributions.

"Benny didn't come here with a duty. Benny had an obligation to his family to build Houston, to build Harris County, to build the state of Texas, and to build the United States of America," said Dr. Andres Tijerina. "Benny had an obligation and he complied with his obligation. I'm telling you right now: Benny Martinez is the consummate American."

"I'm proud to be here on behalf of LULAC honoring one of our great LULAC members, our LULAC familia, a president of LULAC Council 60, a guy who not only helped found the school of 400, which started Head Start, but also got president JFK, and every president except one, to meet with LULAC," said LULAC Chair Domingo Garcia.

Benny Martinez's story is one of resilience and conviction. A Korean War combat veteran, Martinez returned home in the 1950s and joined his brothers in supporting LULAC. He went on to become a powerful advocate for educational access, helping launch the "Little School of 400," which taught Spanish-speaking children essential English words before kindergarten. His work with this initiative inspired President Lyndon B. Johnson to create the Head Start program, now a nationwide model in early childhood education.

In his pursuit of justice, Martinez led boycotts, including a memorable one against Rainbow Bread, which had refused to hire Hispanic workers, and he also helped arrange the first visit of a U.S. President to an official LULAC event. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy attended a gathering on November 21, 1963, at the Rice Hotel in Houston-a historic event that marked the last celebration of Kennedy's life before his assassination the following day.

Congresswoman Garcia led the push to pass legislation to rename the post office to celebrate Mr. Martinez, along with her colleagues in the Texas Congressional delegation. On December 27, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R.203 designating the facility located at 4020 Broadway Street in Houston, Texas, as the "Benny C. Martinez Post Office."