Mayor Raymond Telles - 1960

Mayor Raymond Telles - 1960
Raymond L. Telles, the first Hispanic Mayor of a major American city , the first Hispanic U.S. Ambassador, a decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel and presidential advisor passed away on March 8, 2013 at his daughter's home in Sherman Oaks, California. Telles was born September 5, 1915 in El Paso, Texas and was educated at Cathedral High School and Texas College of Mines (UTEP). After a hard-fought campaign, he was elected Mayor of El Paso in 1957 heralding a major breakthrough in the Mexican American pursuit for political representation. Telles opened the door of opportunity for Hispanics across the city, particularly in the Police and Fire Departments. He implemented policy to ensure equal access for African Americans to City employment, as well as theaters and public facilities. His collaborative, inclusive and unifying leadership won him an uncontested second term. In 1961, Telles was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, making history once again as the first person of Hispanic heritage to serve as a United States Ambassador. He served in this post until 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Telles as Ambassador and Chairman of the U.S.-Mexico Border Commission. Later, President Richard Nixon appointed him to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C), and President Gerald Ford re-appointed him to this commission. Ambassador Telles was an advisor and friend to both Democratic and Republican presidents, including Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. Raymond L. Telles was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Delfina Navarro Telles. He is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Cynthia Telles of Sherman Oaks, California and Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin of Evanston, Illinois, and grandchildren Raymond D. Jimenez and Daniel Irvin-Telles. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/elpasotimes/obituary.aspx?pid=163530814
Report this entry
More from the same community-collection
Vikki Carr In 2009, El Paso, Texas
The singer and actress Vikki Carr, who is actually born in El ...
Vikki Carr in 2009, El Paso, Texas
Vikki Carr is holding a speech in 2009 after she was give the ...
Vikki Carr in 2009, El Paso, Texas
The picture shows the actress and singer Vikki Carr after the ...
Humphrey Entourage during Presidential Campaign in 1968
This picture shows parts of the entourage of Hubert Humphrey, ...
Union Bank & Trust Building - El Paso, Texas
The Union Bank & Trust Building was situated on 104 San Antonio ...
Scottish Rite Temple Interior - El Paso, Texas
The image shows the interior of the Scottish Rite Temple during ...
Dancers during Scottish Rite Temple's Celebration
The picture captures folk dancers during the Scottish Rite ...