In Defense of My People: Alonso S. Perales and the Development of Mexican-American Public Intellectuals

Alonso S. Perales (1891-1960) was a civil rights lawyer and diplomat primarily concerned with Mexican-American civil rights. As such he participated in various civil rights organizations and was one of the founders of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in 1929. As president of LULAC one of Perales' greatest accomplishments was the successful defeat of the Box Immigration Bill in 1930 which would have put a quota on Mexican immigration to the United States. His other civic activities included founding the Independent Voters Association, a Mexican-American political club in San Antonio, introducing legislation calling for the prohibition of racial discrimination, and membership in other religious and civil rights organizations. For his civic activities he was decorated by Spain with the Medal of Civil Merit, one of the nation's highest civil honors.

The collection documents Perales' life and work through correspondence, organizational papers from LULAC and other civil rights organizations, publications, and various other items and memorabilia.

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About the Exhibit

LOCATION

1st Floor MD Anderson Library

DATES

December 21, 2011-March 1, 2012

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