This is Where We Want to Stay
Author Luke Sprunger shares his insight, research and oral histories of Tejano and Latino residents in Washington County. His guests Enedelia Hernandez Schofield and Hector Hinojosa join. This population grew at ten times the rate of the overall population over recent decades and represent approximately 18% of Tualatin’s population today. The first Latino families to settle in the county year-round were migrants from Texas prompted by the same factors that motivated successive groups of Latinos to emigrate — oppressive treatment and poor work and financial prospects. Tejano (Texas ethnic Mexican) families left Texas in the mid and late 1960s for seasonal agricultural work in other states. After making their way to Oregon’s Washington County, some decided to abandon seasonal migration and settle permanently. Many of those early settling Tejano families worked to build a strong network of community support. They were instrumental in laying the foundation of a social service infrastructure that continues to benefit new immigrants and the Latino population as a whole. Luke's work has been published in the Oregon Historical Societies quarterly journal. (SEE BIOS BELOW THE PROGRAM VIDEO)
Luke invites you to ask questions directly about this or his archival consulting business: lukesprunger@gmail.com
Luke Sprunger completed a series of oral history interviews with Latino residents of Washington County in 2013 and 2014 while working on his thesis for his Master of Arts degree in public history from Portland State University. From this work he published an article, “‘This is where we want to stay’: Tejanos and Latino Community Building in Washington County,” in the Fall 2015 issue of Oregon Historical Quarterly. Luke has spent the last six years working as an archivist in the Portland metro area. For archival, preservation, and family history consulting inquiries, please contact him at lukesprunger@gmail.com
Hector R. Hinojosa is a Mexican National who came to Oregon and a young migrant worker. Even as a teenager he took on leadership roles like serving on President Nixon’s White House Conference on youth. He spent 15 years as an alternative education teacher, principal, administrator, associate professor and guidance counselor. Hector was an advisor to Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh and has worked in executive positions at Fortune 500 firms. He was a co-founder of Centro Cultural Virginal Garcia Memorial Health Center and Salud de la Familia that are long standing institutions who support the Latino community. He serves on the board of numerous organizations that range from healthcare to legal defense funds to governmental agencies.
Enedelia Schofield has lived in Oregon since 1962. She is the daughter of Emilio and Hortencia Hernandez , one of the first Mexican-American migrant families in Washington County and founders of the Centro Cultural. Enedelia is married to Michael Schofield, the Associate Superintendent for Business Services for the Beaverton School District. She has two sons, Joey and Zach and a daughter, Jessica. Enedelia is a member of The Oregon State Bar and has been involved in education for over 30 years as an educational assistant, elementary teacher, PCC ESL teacher and Elementary Administrator. She has been active in a variety of organizations and boards. These include but are not limited to Centro Cultural, St. Alexander’s Catholic Church, I Have a Dream Foundation , Pacific University Board of Trustees, Washington County Children and Family Services, Girls on the Run, Center for Educational Equity and served as co-chair on the President’s Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.. She is the first Mexican-American/ Latina Principal in the state of Oregon, was the Principal of the year and is a Milken Educator award recipient.
