Book Presentation – Pioneer of Mexican-American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales

Cynthia Orozco, Ph.D., wrote a biographical book on the life and works of one of the most influential Mexican Americans during the 20th century: Alonso S. Perales. He was born in Alice, Texas, and became an attorney, leading civil rights activist, author and United States diplomat.

In 1929, Perales founded the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and encouraged the empowerment of Latinos at the voting box. Perales sought to pass state and federal legislation banning racial discrimination and fought for school desegregation in Texas which initiated a movement for more and better public schools for Mexican-descent people.

Copies of the book are available for purchase at the Museum Store, which Orozco can personalize after the presentation. FRIENDS of MOSTHistory receive a discount on certain books at the Museum Store.

Orozco is a professor of history and humanities at Eastern New Mexico University, Ruidoso. She is the author of “No Mexicans, Women or Dogs Allowed, the Rise of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement,” “Agent of Change: Adela Sloss-Vento, Mexican American Civil Rights Activist and Texas Feminist” and “Pioneer of Mexican-American Civil Rights: Alonso S. Perales.”

This program is made possible by the generous support from the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Mrs. Guerra was committed to educational causes in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created by her family to honor her memory and to continue providing educational opportunities for the community.