The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Poor joined together to help
Mexican Mutual Society celebrates 90th anniversary with music, food, memories
The Mexican Mutual Society gathered Oct. 13 at Rosewood Place, 4493 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain to celebrate its 90th anniversary with music, raffles, food and memories.
“The society was formed in 1928, when it was chartered by the state of Ohio, and is still going strong as one of the remaining ethnic groups in the city of Lorain,” said Joel Arredondo, president of the society and president of Lorain City Council. “You fast forward, and we have continued to honor Mexican history. The culture has been effectively passed down from generation to generation. We love our culture, and the society has lasted because people have donated their time and money to keep it going.”
Arredondo said Mexican Mutual Society has always been about providing benefits.
“The original intent was to help those who were coming to Lorain from Mexico for employment; mainly at the steel plant,” he said.
“It’s amazing what a group of poor people can do when they form an independent organization like this.”
— Baldemar Velasquez, keynote speaker
“The society provided support groups, language translation help, education and medical benefits. The goal of the society was to help Mexicans assimilate into the community and make the transition as smooth as possible for immigrants and their families. We still provide support with our scholarships and with the work we do in the community. We have had so many members who also held, and still hold, positions in the city and on the school board. The effects of the society can be seen throughout the community; I’m very proud of that.”
Baldemar Velasquez, president and co-founder of Farm Labor Organizing Committee, was the keynote speaker.
“I’m honored to be invited to this celebration of 90 years,” Velasquez said. “I want to thank the people of Lorain for the support they have had for Mexican immigrants. It’s amazing what a group of poor people can do when they form an independent organization like this. I want to duplicate what the society has done elsewhere.”
Anibal Hernandez, of Lorain, was glad the event was happening.
“It’s great that Hispanic culture continues to be celebrated and represented in this city,” he said. “Seeing this celebration today is the most beautiful thing. I can’t say enough good things about Joel (Arredondo), he’s not just for Mexicans but all people.”
Frank Amador, a Lorain resident, talked highly of the event.
“I think it’s pretty amazing,” he said. “I joined the group in 1968, and it has been great watching it continue for all these years and making the community a better place.”