[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 162 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO LEONEL J. CASTILLO, EDUCATOR, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, AND 
                    HOUSTON'S FIRST HISPANIC ELECTED

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2013

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Leonel J. 
Castillo, a legendary and pioneering figures in the history of Houston, 
Texas. Mr. Castillo, who was the first Hispanic elected to public 
office in Houston, died November 4, 2013. He was 74 years old.
  Leonel J. Castillo was born June 9, 1939 in Victoria, Texas and 
educated at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, from which he 
received his Bachelor's degree in English, and his Master's degree in 
Community Organization from University of Pittsburgh.
  Like many men and women of his generation, Leonel Castillo was 
inspired by President John F. Kennedy's call to service and joined the 
Peace Corps, serving in the Philippines. During this time he met the 
gracious and brilliant Evelyn, his partner in life and marriage for 
more than 50 years, and the mother of their two children, a daughter 
Avalyn, and a son, Efrem.
  In 1967, Leonel and his family moved to Houston where he soon became 
involved with local neighborhood organizations. He organized across 
racial lines and worked to find common ground on important issues to 
each community, including integration and better educational 
opportunities for the children of Houston.
  Leonel served as Director of SER-Jobs for Progress, board member of 
Catholic Charities, and member of the Memorial Hermann Hospital 
advisory board. Leonel also was one of the co-founders of the Houston 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Houston International University. He 
also taught at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University.
  In 1971, Leonel Castillo was elected Comptroller of the City of 
Houston, the first Hispanic ever elected to public office in the city's 
history. He served in that office with distinction, earning the 
nickname the ``Watchdog at City Hall.''
  Based on his record of demonstrated excellence as a manager and 
public administrator, Leonel Castillo came to the attention of 
President Jimmy Carter, who nominated him on April 7, 1977 to be 
Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and 
confirmed by the Senate just three weeks later, on April 27, 1977. He 
was the first Hispanic to hold this position. Leonel Castillo served as 
INS Commission until October 1, 1979.
  At a White House swearing-in ceremony, President Carter explained his 
reasons for appointing Leonel Castillo to such an important post:

       He's a man who has the highest possible reputation. He's a 
     public administrator, and I think I can tell you that he's 
     going to take on one of the most difficult jobs in the 
     Government.

  Mr. Speaker, Leonel J. Castillo touched so many lives in so many 
ways. He inspired a generation of civic minded Hispanic men and women 
to seek public office. He was a towering figure in the life of our 
community. He will be greatly missed.
  I ask the House to observe a moment of silence in honor of a great 
American, my friend, the Honorable Leonel J. Castillo.

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