Alvaro Luna Hernandez facts for kids

Alvaro Luna Hernandez (born May 12, 1952) is an activist from Alpine, Texas. He is known for his work supporting the Chicano Movement, which helps Mexican-Americans, and for his efforts to change the prison system. He is also known by the name Xinachtli.

Currently, he is serving a sentence at the McConnell Unit prison. While in prison, he helps other inmates. He acts as a "Jailhouse Lawyer," which means he is an amateur attorney. He assists people he believes are innocent or deserve help in their search for justice.

Early Life and Activism

Alvaro Luna Hernandez was born on May 12, 1952. He grew up in Alpine, Texas. From a young age, he became involved in community issues. He was a local political activist.

First Arrest and Release

In September 1975, Hernandez was arrested. He was accused of being involved in a serious incident. A witness initially claimed to have seen him. However, this witness later changed their story. They said their first statement was not true.

The witness stated that police had pressured them. They were told to say Hernandez was involved. No other evidence linked Hernandez to the incident. After many years, he was cleared and freed in 1991. This was partly due to investigative reporting.

Activism While Imprisoned

During his time in prison, Hernandez did not stop learning. He studied Mexican-American history. He also learned about the prison system. He studied revolutionary political ideas. He also learned about local laws. This helped him and others with their legal cases.

Fighting for Prison Reform

Hernandez actively fought against unfair practices in prison. He used legal methods like constitutional and civil rights lawsuits. He also participated in peaceful protests. These included hunger strikes and work stoppages.

His efforts were part of a larger movement. He was one of several prisoners whose lawsuits were combined. This led to the important Ruiz v. Estelle case. This case brought major changes to prison conditions in Texas.

Helping Others on Death Row

While in prison in Huntsville, Texas, he met Ricardo Adalpe Guerra. Guerra was a Mexican national. He had been convicted of a crime and was on death row. Hernandez spent much time in solitary confinement. This was reportedly due to his activism.

Hernandez played a big role in helping Guerra. He worked to overturn Guerra's conviction. Guerra was later cleared and freed.

Life After Prison and Continued Work

After his release in 1991, Hernandez moved to Houston, Texas. He settled there with his wife. He immediately continued his activism. He became a national leader for the Ricardo Adape Guerra defense committee.

Founding Civil Rights Groups

Hernandez founded a national civil rights group. It was called The National Movement of La Raza. This group worked to support Mexican-Americans. He also did a lot of community work. He was involved with the "Stop the Violence Youth Committee." He also worked with the "Prisoners Solidarity Committee."

Community and International Efforts

Hernandez helped bring peace to communities. He negotiated agreements between Hispanic youth groups. This happened in Pasadena, Texas, after a series of conflicts. His work also reached a global stage. In 1993, he spoke to the United Nations General Assembly. He talked about how political prisoners were treated in the United States.

Later Arrest and Current Situation

In 1996, Hernandez was working against police brutality. He was organizing in Chicano communities. An officer came to his home on July 18. The officer intended to arrest him for a past incident.

The 1996 Incident

During their meeting, Hernandez says the officer drew a weapon. Hernandez reacted by knocking the weapon away. He said this was to protect himself. He then left the scene. He later turned himself in to the police.

He was found innocent of the initial accusation. However, he was convicted for his action of knocking the weapon from the officer's hand. He received a fifty-year sentence for this.

Support for His Case

Since this conviction, many human rights activists have supported Hernandez. They see him as a political prisoner. Groups like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Organization of American States have been asked to look into his case. He continues to serve his sentence at the McConnell Unit prison.