It takes stoop labor from dawn to sunset, to put food on the American table. Something that has been repeated for decades.
As this country ponders to define the status of voiceless migrants. The story about the immigrant of today started in the 1890s, when mining and agriculture attracted Mexican labor to this country.
They called them wetbacks…
Allow me to take you to a small ranch in the state of Guadalajara. It was a religious affair for little Ricardo “Rico” Garcia to join his father at the break of dawn to engage in crouch labor.
But it was also common for his father and the rest of the men from the village to do seasonal work in the United States. At five years old, Rico was a savvy kid who paid attention to detail.
He noticed when the men departed to the U.S, they were frail and somewhat undernourished. Upon their return—he noticed the transformation. They appeared healthier, well-groomed and with additional wardrobe.
He thought, to escapes his daily woes, he too, wanted to venture to work in the U.S. But this was not his time. Meanwhile, to help his family, Rico continued to engage in doing hard labor around his community.
But the day came, in the mid-eighties when Rico left the friendly confines of home and linked with his father and traveled to the land of opportunity, Sacramento, California.
They found work there, pruning trees, but the pay was not satisfactory for Rico. He then decided to break the partnership with his father and go on his own. That venture turned out to be a good proposition —his diligence netted him double the money.
As time progressed, he pondered on what to do next. That decision was staring at his face, learn English and become an American citizen.
After his working day, he found time to take English classes. Along the way, an “Angel,” a dedicated teacher gave him the time and devotion to set the foundation for his future endeavors.
He resolved the idea of becoming a legal citizen by doing some intense studying to become a legal citizen.
The Ronald Reagan amnesty program opened the door, and he took advantage of the opportunity. With his pockets full of America history, he met all requirements, and with this, became part of the fabric of the of the American dream.
Moving up the ladder… Toyota gives him a chance
Creating his identity within the Toyota dealership began as a car washer—a job made possible through a friend that knew his footprints of hard work. To say the least, he sparkled at that job!
Rico as a young child was afflicted by a desire to move up the ladder, something that defined his future. With little knowledge of the intricacies of the automobile, he was given the opportunity to work in the “Parts Department.”
But before taking the job, he was mandated to memorize the appropriate car manuals to handle the job, which he did. His work there did not go noticed by the Zamora Family—owners of the Toyota Dealership.
Moving to Arizona…
His story of work, love, family, and devotion continues in Arizona. The Zamora family rewarded his efforts and knew that his strong work ethic and loyalty would be a benefit to all those involved.
After several successful tenures there…he was given the opportunity to lead the start of Toyota dealership in Brownsville. It was one of his most difficult decisions to make. Due to the fact, his wife was not in tune for another move, especially to Brownsville.
Hello Brownsville…
But today, Rico and Martha are happy to be in Brownville. After nine years in the city, the Zamora family with help from little Rico… have changed the face of the automobile industry in Brownsville.
Not only focusing on selling cars, but also on creating jobs. At this juncture, the Toyota and Honda dealerships have generated over 150 jobs.
And wait a minute! There is more to come. Plans are in the works in bringing an additional dealership to the same site.
In Closing…
Unlike today, his family survived those intoxicating times of distress… without the assistance of government entitlements.
He continues to honor his past, but with a constant eye on the future of his family and the auto industry in Brownsville.
If you were to describe Ricardo, the word tenacity would come to mind. He has the quality of being determined to keep trying or doing something, especially in difficult times.
He is one of a kind, others should be inspired to follow his lead. There are some immigrants that have aided in making America Great.
Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by writer and retired educator René Torres of Brownsville. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author.
