The Socorro Independent School District celebrated artwork by talented students from the region, illustrating the significant contributions of African Americans in the workforce, during its 3rd annual Black History Month art contest on Feb. 18.
Nearly 300 students from the Socorro, Ysleta, and Clint school districts and IDEA Public Schools displayed their skills through various art forms, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. Sponsored by the Theta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the event highlighted the 2025 Black History Month theme: "African Americans and Labor."
Socorro High School freshman Hazel Ramirez won first place in the high school division for her painting titled, “Don’t Be Silenced,” which depicted the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike. Ramirez was inspired to create the artwork after reading Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” which he delivered in support of the striking workers.
“I named it, “Don't Be Silenced,” because they shouldn't be silenced for speaking their minds on how they feel about their work and how they should be treated,” Ramirez explained, referring to the men, women, and children in her painting who are holding signs against unfair labor practices.
She was excited about the positive impact her artwork had on the judges.
“It feels good,” Ramirez said. “I've been trying to become more recognized for my art so I can do better.”
Candace Printz, SISD assistant director of fine arts, said the contest encouraged students to be creative while also learning about the important contributions of African Americans throughout history.
“It tasks the kids to research a lot of really great people that have made changes and strides for African Americans,” Printz said. “Our kids are already creative. We know that they can produce, but to have a theme that has so much meaning, and it's loaded with so much content, I think that there's power in art.”
Winners for first, second, and third places were announced in the elementary, middle school, high school, and best of show divisions during the exhibit’s grand opening on Feb. 18 at the SISD District Service Center. The best-of-show winners received cash prizes, courtesy of Theta Delta Lambda Chapter. Additionally, the best-of-show winners’ artwork is prominently displayed in the office of El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson.
Dr. Anson Jordan, president of the Theta Delta Lambda Chapter, was impressed by the contestants' creativity and hard work. He emphasized that integrating art with history enhances students' learning and provides a better understanding of the past.
“They are our future,” Jordan said. “But it starts with the foundation of knowing (what) the history is about. So, learning the history of knowing where we come from, gives them a better picture of where we are going.”
2025 SISD Black History Month regional art contest sponsored Theta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Best of Show
High School – Daryana Herrera, Socorro High School
Middle School – Frandah Caudillo, John Drugan School
Elementary School – Xitlaly Lubo, Presa Elementary School
Elementary School Division
1st Place – Atticus Moran, Pasodale Elementary School
2nd Place – Fernanda Contreras, Capistrano Elementary School
3rd Place – Rebecca Reyes Aguilar, Loma Verde Elementary School
Middle School Division
1st Place – Aveline Molina, Col. John O. Ensor Middle School
2nd Place – Joy Franco, John Drugan School
3rd – Areli Vargas, Del Valle Middle School
High School Division
1st Place – Hazel Ramirez, Socorro High School
2nd Place – Toni Barnes, Parkland High School
3rd Place – Fabiola Burciaga, Parkland High School