Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Rebecca Latigo de Hernandez

1896-1986

Maria Rebecca Latigo de Hernandez was a civil rights activist.  She worked hard to make life better for the Mexican-American community.

In 1929, she co-founded the Orden Caballeros of America.  The organization supported civic and civil rights.   Latigo de Hernandez protested the segregation of Mexican-American children and the inferior education they were being offered at school in San Antonio, Texas.

In 1970, she was instrumental in the development of the Raza Unity Party's gain in politics.  Latigo de Hernandez used radio to get her message out.  She was one of the first Mexican-Americans on the radio in the 1930, and later went on to do television until the 1970's.


More resources:
The National Women's History Project
US History Survey