Mayor Sylvester Turner today issued a statement in remembrance of Macario Ramirez, who died recently at the age of 86.
“On behalf of the City of Houston, I extend prayers and condolences to the family of Macario Ramirez. We mourn the death of a cultural icon and community leader who operated the Casa Ramirez FOLKART Gallery on 19th Street in the Heights. Over the years, Ramirez welcomed the public to shop at his business and kept the doors open to those who wanted to gather for friendly conversation and networking. As his official obituary notes, Ramirez had a long history of community activism, including voting rights, environmental issues, immigrant rights, and many other civil rights causes.
In 2013, Ramirez was honored by the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board with the Art in the Community award. The following described his work in the city: Macario Ramirez is the proprietor of Casa Ramirez Folk Art in the Heights area. Macario is a long-time activist with an artistic flair. Macario is well known for his love of folk art and teaching others about traditions that reflect the Hispanic culture, such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead.) He enjoys hosting events that promote Hispanic writers, artwork, and social action. At Casa Ramirez, he often draws crowds to celebrate occasions such as La Virgen de Guadalupe, Cinco de Mayo, Cruces y Simbolos de Fe, Diez y Seis de Septiembre and many more.
Ramirez was proud of his heritage and was always eager to share his vast knowledge of history and art with the public.
Houston will forever remain proud of Macario Ramirez and his many contributions.
He will be missed.”