Maria L. de Hernández facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maria L. de Hernández
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| Born |
María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández
July 29, 1896 Garza García, Mexico
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| Died | January 8, 1986 (aged 89) Austin, Texas, United States
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| Resting place | Orden Caballeros de América outside of Elmendorf, Texas |
| Nationality | Mexican-American |
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| Years active | 1929–1986 |
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| Spouse(s) | Pedro Hernandez Barrera |
| Children | 10 |
María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández (born July 29, 1896 – died January 8, 1986) was an important activist for Mexican-American rights. She was born in Garza García, Mexico. In the 1930s, she spoke out and protested to help Mexican Americans, especially about their education.
She and her husband, Pedro Hernandez Barrera, started an organization called Orden Caballeros de America in 1929. She also created the Asociación Protectora de Madres in 1933. Later, in 1970, she was very active in the Raza Unida Party, a political party.
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Early Life and Education
María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández was born in 1896. Her hometown was Garza García, which is near Monterrey, Mexico. Her father was a professor.
When she was a young adult, María taught at an elementary school. She lived in Monterrey, Mexico, during this time.
A Voice for Change
The Hernández family owned and ran a grocery store and bakery. María used her voice and writing to fight against unfair treatment. She spoke out against segregation, which meant keeping people of different races apart. She also fought against poor education for Mexican-American children.
Founding the Order of the Knights of America
In 1929, María and her family helped create the Order of the Knights of America. This group, also called Orden Caballeros de America, was for political and civil activists. Its goal was to help Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants.
The organization focused a lot on education. They also helped with social issues. They mainly worked with Mexican-American business owners. However, they also aimed to help both boys and girls in school.
A Pioneer in Radio
In 1932, María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández made history. She became the first Mexican woman to be an announcer on the radio. She used this platform to share her messages.
In 1933, she helped start an association to support expecting mothers. This group was known as Asociación Protectora de Madres.
Helping Communities and Families
In 1934, María, her husband, and their children worked together. They helped manage an organization called La Liga de Defensa Pro-Escolar. This group created safe places and improved education for Mexican communities on the West Side.
María also used her radio career to promote Council 16 of the League of United Latin American Citizens. She had a program called "Voz de las Americas" (Voice of the Americas). She supported this league's efforts in 1940 and again in 1947. During these years, she worked to encourage equality for all Mexican Americans.
Fighting for Workers' Rights
In 1938, María began working with the pecan-shellers' strike. This strike was about women workers' rights. The women wanted safer working conditions and better pay.
In 1939, María was part of a group of women who visited the Mexican President, Lázaro Cárdenas. They wanted to show the good relationship between Mexicans in Mexico and Mexican Americans in the United States.
Writing and Leadership
In 1945, María published an important essay. It was called "México y Los Cuatro Poderes Que Dirigen al Pueblo." This means "Mexico and the Four Powers that Lead the People." In her essay, she wrote that the home and family life were the foundation of society. She also stated that mothers were the creators of nations.
Around the time her essay was published, she also helped organize another group. It was called Club Liberal Pro-Cultura de la Mujer.
Later Activism
In 1968, María was a regular guest on San Antonio television. She shared information with the public about education and social progress. In 1969, María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández was given two important roles. She became the Treasurer of the Order's board of directors and the President of Circulo Social.
In 1970, she became even more involved in politics. She joined the Raza Unida Party. She was a main speaker at the Raza Unida's Statewide Conference in Austin, Texas.
Personal Life
María Hernández married Pedro Hernández Barrera in 1915. She was 19 years old at the time. They were married in Hebbronville, Texas.
In 1918, they moved to San Antonio. They settled there and had a large family with 10 children.
Passing and Lasting Impact
María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández passed away from pneumonia on January 8, 1986. She is buried in the plot of the Orden Caballeros de América. This burial place is located outside of Elmendorf, Texas.
Legacy
María Rebecca Latigo de Hernández was honored by Google Doodle on July 29, 2018. This showed her importance and lasting impact.
See also
In Spanish: Maria L. de Hernández para niños
