City Council Member Ed Gonzalez Speaks about Poverty, Crime February 16, 2011

Houston City Council Member Edward Gonzalez will explore the connection between poverty and crime at annual Dum Spiro Lecture at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb 16 on the University of St. Thomas campus, Crooker Center, Ahern Room, 3909 Graustark. The event is sponsored by the UST Center for International Studies Social Entrepreneurship Program.

As a veteran Houston Police Department homicide investigator, Gonzalez witnessed first-hand how violent crime can damage our communities. In addition to addressing the connection to between poverty and crime, Gonzalez will also talk about the role that government, along with active citizens, can play in tackling these two problems.

Gonzalez earned a Master in Liberal Arts with a concentration in political science from UST in 2007. He is a native-born Houstonian and life-long resident and business owner in District H. This experience helped Gonzalez realize the importance of small businesses in maintaining a strong local economy.

The Social Entrepreneurship Program, formerly known as the MicroCredit Program, is housed within the Center for International Studies and encompasses microcredit lending and social learning initiatives. The program is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs who live below the poverty threshold, and provides a unique opportunity to affect meaningful improvement in the lives of the world’s poor through active management of microcredit funds and social development programs.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Diana Garcia at [email protected] or call 713-525-3530.