This week on Fronteras:
- Respecting and teaching the role of Tejanos in Texas history.
Teaching And Respecting Tejano History
Tejanos are a critical part of Texas history but many people, including Hispanics, don’t know what they did or achieved. Tejanos are historically known as the early Spanish settlers who lived in what is now Texas back in the 1600s. Tejanos also played a role in the fight for Texas independence. Today, Tejanos are considered the descendants of the early Spanish settlers and the indigenous Mexican population. Though Tejanos have had a constant presence in the region for centuries, their role in Texas history isn’t as celebrated as other famous historical figures, including the heroes of the Alamo – Travis, Crockett, and Bowie. In 2016, a forgotten remnant of Tejano history was literally unearthed in San Antonio. I had a chance to talk with Rudi Rodriguez, president and founder of TexasTejano.com about the discovery.
Texas Attorney General Says Voter ID Law Changers Are Enough
The battle over the Texas Voter ID law should be over. That’s according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who filed a brief with the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals this week. But critics say the newest version of the law still makes it hard for minorities to vote. Texas Public Radio’s Ryan Poppe reports.
DACA Dreamers Tell Their Stories Over Dinner
In dining rooms and restaurants across the country, undocumented youth
protected by DACA, Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals, are sharing their stories with elected officials. It’s part of a campaign called Dreamer Dinners, launched by the immigration advocacy group America’s Voice. Mallory Falk got a chance to sit in and listen at a dinner this week in El Paso.
San Diego Gives New Immigrants A Head Start
A variety of local groups help immigrants when they first arrive in cities like San Diego, but then those newcomers must also assimilate at school or work and navigate government systems. KPBS reporter Taryn Mento says a new initiative aims to make that integration process easier.
Google Doodle Honors Tejano Superstar Selena
Google paid tribute to a Texas superstar this week. It showcased a doodle of the late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez, whose debut album was released Oct. 17, 1989. Granbury native and Google Doodle global marketing lead Perla Campos pitched the idea. KERA’s Krystina Martinez spoke with Campos who says it was important for her to see Latino culture represented on Google’s home page.
