Rudy Padilla (born in Kansas) is a retired federal employee – computer specialist.
He has been part of Hispanic organizations since 1972. The demographics have changed dramatically in the U.S. since then, and he has visited libraries, school principals, city mayor’s and county commissioners to bring more awareness of the contributions of the Hispanic American.
At a recent monthly meeting of the Johnson County KS board of commissioners, his opening comments included “when the English arrived aboard the ship “Mayflower” in 1620 – in the area today known as New Mexico there was a large Hispanic community which included schools, churches, and merchants. Before 1848 – the southwest tip of Kansas was part of Mexico.
After his brief presentation, he was pleased to have three men stop by to thank him for his educational presentation – and the several Hispanic students who were also present; were delighted.