The Hispanic Organization for Progress and Education (HOPE), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), along with the Clarksville Korean American Association have joined the Clarksville – Montgomery County Community in support of slain civil rights activist, Juan Vasquez, Sr., and his son, Thomas Vasquez. Juan was the founder of H.O.P.E. and served as the Hispanic liaison for the Clarksville NAACP.
Mr. Vasquez was an advocate for education for our Hispanic youth. He organized a protest march in support of our schools that helped convince County Commissioners to give more funding toward the school systems budget. Juan also was a driving force and advocate for the newly established Hispanic Cultural Center on the campus of Austin Peay State University. As vice chair for the Clarksville Human Relations Commission, Juan planned to introduce state legislation in support of rights and equality for all Hispanics regardless of legal status.
Juan could often be found attending the many events of his twin sons, Thomas and Matthew, his daughter Eva and recently celebrated the birth of his second grandchild from older son, Juan Jr. Thomas Vasquez graduate of Northwest High School, learned to play the drums at age four and went on to win many talent competitions as both an entertainer and member of the Northwest High School Viking band. Thomas’ other talents and hobbies include football, acting, baseball, basketball, music production, ballroom dancing and he was a seasoned veteran at customizing cars by the age of 15, a trade he learned while working side by side with his father. Thomas’ dream was to major in business and to some day open his own custom auto body shop.
The entire community sends their love and support out to the Vasquez family in their time of sorrow and have helped in establishing a Memorial Fund for Juan Julian Sr. & Thomas Vasquez at the U.S. Bank in the Fort Campbell Blvd. Wal-Mart. Funds to this account will help to defray the cost of funeral expenses and donations may be made at any of the many U.S. Bank locations.
On behalf of Clarksville H.O.P.E. and its President Pastor Tommy Vallejos, Clarksville NAACP President Mr. Jimmie Garland Sr. and Clarksville Korean American Association President Mr. Robert Brooks, we ask for your continued prayers for the Vasquez family and that you plan to attend the funeral services that will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, Clarksville at a Date & Time to be announced soon.
Sincerely,
Terry McMoore
Terry McMoore (931) 552-9076 or (931) 378-1999
