New & Noteworthy List for September 2024

Features the sixteen South Texas women represented in the public mural Mujeres a Través del Tiempo (Women Across Time) by former Representative Arnold Gonzáles, Sr., housed on the campus of Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Examines the lives of ranchers, educators, politicians, artists, and others who served the community. Includes biography of former Representative Irma Rangel.

Draws from the oral history database Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Project to further record a "people's history" of the grassroots civil rights movement in Texas. Emphasizes the intersection between Black and Hispanic activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Offers essays on student protests at Prairie View A&M, the leadership of Héctor P. García in Corpus Christi, the collaborative activism in 1970s San Antonio involving former State Representative G.J. Sutton, and the military experience of former State Representative Ben T. Reyes and others.

Compiles essays by multiple authors to present an examination of the social change of Mexican Americans in Texas over the past 50 years. Addresses civil rights issues and changes to policies relating to immigration, voting, education, labor, housing, employment, and criminal justice. Includes an evidence-based examination of racial and ethnic inequalities along with discussion of litigation pursued on behalf of minorities and the legislative changes that followed.

Collects a series of essays inspired by the 1919 Joint Committee to Investigate the Ranger Force, which addressed the violence committed against Mexican-Americans by Texas Rangers. Explores the historical context surrounding the Ranger investigation, the life of former State Representative José Tomás Canales (whose activism led to the investigation), and how the history of violence against Texans of Mexican descent has been rediscovered by a new generation of historians, writers, and filmmakers.

Focuses on the aftermath of the devastating 1921 flood in San Antonio, Texas. Highlights the racial discrimination present in flood control efforts, which caused continued flooding to the impoverished, majority-Latino West Side while eliminating flooding downtown and in the adjoining wealthy neighborhoods. Addresses the efforts of grassroots organizations and former U.S. Representative Henry B. González to require flood protection for the West Side. Documents how flood control advocacy changed the political landscape in San Antonio, giving lower-income areas more say in city government.

Describes the activism of essayist Adela Sloss-Vento, a Latina leader in Texas throughout the Mexican American civil rights movement beginning in 1920 and the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Examines Sloss-Vento’s role in the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) along with her political involvement in the issues of agribusiness, the Bracero program, and the U.S.-Mexico border. Includes discussion of her influence on government officials at all levels, including candidates for the Texas Legislature.

Highlights the contributions of Mexican American baseball teams and players from the Rio Grande Valley, from the late 19th century through the 1950s. Discusses the role of baseball in bridging the cultural divide and providing opportunities for Mexican Americans in a variety of areas including education and politics. Includes the story of former State Senator Joe J. Bernal and his father.

Delves into the political career and leadership roles of former State Senator Leticia Van de Putte to better understand the behavior of Latinas in electoral politics. Examines Van de Putte’s legislative efforts to reform the state welfare system, revamp the Juvenile Code, challenge redistricting, and provide a healthcare safety net for children in Texas. Highlights her effectiveness as a lawmaker and her many leadership roles, including her election as Senate President Pro Tempore during the 83rd Legislature.

Recounts the struggle Latino Americans have faced in their fight for political representation from 1822 to the present, paying special attention to U.S. Congress and the state legislatures of California and Texas. Discusses the anti-immigration legislation and political influences that contributed to the deterioration and subsequent restoration of Hispanic representation. Includes short biographies of Latino politicians and lists of Hispanic members of the Texas Legislature from the 1980s onward.

Studies the history and political events of the Chicano community in San Antonio, Texas from 1951 to 1991. Focuses on efforts to open the electoral process for direct political participation by the Chicana/o middle class. Discusses various influential organizations within the movement, such as the Good Government League (GGL); League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF). Includes a table of San Antonio mayors and city council members from 1951-1999. Mentions former legislators, including former State Representative John C. Alaniz; State Senator Joe J. Bernal; and U.S. Representatives Henry B. González and Frank Tejeda.

Details the impact that former U.S. Representative Henry B. González had on local, state, and national political arenas throughout his career. Provides a history of San Antonio to give context to Mexican American and Chicano involvement in politics up to the 1950s. Discusses González's campaign  for State Senate and the five years he served in the Legislature. Includes his legislative priorities and the combined filibusters by himself and former State Senator Abraham "Chick" Kazen of the segregation bills in 1957. Presents his congressional campaign, priorities, influence, and successes through 1965.