"Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong" book, n.d., signed by Gayle Romanasta, and stamped posthumously with signature of Dawn Mabalon

The materials in this collection reflect the activities of the Houston Filipino American community, over several generations. These activities include political and historical achievements, such as Filipino American WWII Soldier Recognition project materials, Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act celebrations; celebrating Filipino American History Month; as well as cultural resources such as a community cookbook, and a Filipino American history book. The collection also includes a Certificate of Outstanding achievement presented to Christy Panis Poisot, a primary organizer of the Houston community, and the donor of this collection. Highlights of certificates and awards include a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition which was to be presented to Jesse Baltazar by Beto O'Rourke is an unclaimed certificate for Jesse Baltazar, who was ill and unable to attend a ceremony when the certificate was issued in O'Roarke's congressional district, El Paso, Texas. Sadly, Baltazar passed away a few months before the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. A famous photo of Baltazar during the Bataan March on March 20, 2016 shows him in tears as the WWII veteran roll call was announced. He was the only veteran representing Filipinos to say he was "present". The bill was announced to be passed in December of 2016, one of the last acts of President Barack Obama before the end of his administration. Certificate of Congressional Recognition for gold medal pinning from Sheila Jackson Lee was issued during the WWII Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the Lone Star Flight Museum on January 27, 2018. Twenty-five veterans were issued the Congressional Gold Medal. Congressman Pete Olson was also in attendance since the ceremony took place in his district as well as State Representative Gene Wu. Robert Dembo III, Senior Outreach Specialist from the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs issued the Proclamation of WWII Filipino Veterans Day. Books within the collection include "Fables of Agoo," a cookbook by M. Christy Poisot. In addition to recipes, this work includes introductions to each recipe, written by a community member, to explain the significance of the dish and the context in which it would usually be served. Agoo is the family home town of Poisot, in the province of La Union, Philippines. Additonally, a signed copy of "Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong" by Dawn B Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta. The significance of the “Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong” book was that one of the authors started Bridge+Delta Publishing as a way to ensure that the stories told retain the integrity and spirit of the narrative, culturally undiluted. According to the publisher and author, Gayle Romasanta, “Bridge + Delta was founded on the spirit of ‘home’ and immigrant journeys that are absolutely American at their core. We publish stories for families and communities to understand their past, present and future, so that their immigration story gives them a better understanding of who they are. That way, our communities are not just almost home. They are home. Here’s to the bridges and deltas that connect us.” In 2018, soon after the book was published, Dawn Mabalon, PhD., the champion for Filipino American stories from Stockton, California, passed away in a tragic accident. The book marked a milestone in her life’s work to ensure stories of Filipino American history are told. Her death resonated with many Filipino Americans seeking their identity, looking for a place to belong in community, country and history. This signed copy of the book was a gift from author Gayle Romasanta to Christy Poisot during her visit to Houston during Filipino American History month for a book talk held at the People Caring for the Community Center or Philippine Community Center on September 14, 2019.