In a vibrant celebration combining sports, culture, and civil rights history, the San Antonio Spurs marked Hispanic Heritage Night with a meaningful tribute to Mexican American leaders and a significant contribution to preserve their legacy. The celebration, which coincided with the traditional Día de los Muertos observances, saw the Spurs emerge victorious against the Minnesota Timberwolves while honoring the community’s rich cultural heritage.
The evening reached its pinnacle when Spurs Sports & Entertainment presented a $20,000 grant to the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI). Dr. Sarah Zenaida Gould, MACRI’s founding Executive Director, and National Advisory Committee Board Chair Gilberto S. Ocañas accepted the award during the game, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to preserving and promoting Mexican American civil rights history.
The celebration paid tribute to three towering figures in Mexican American civil rights history. The families of Emma Tenayuca, Willie Velasquez, and Jaime Martinez were present to see their loved ones’ legacies honored before the San Antonio community.
Emma Tenayuca was remembered as a courageous labor organizer and civil rights activist who led crucial workers’ rights movements in Texas during the 1930s. Known as “La Pasionaria,” she organized women workers during the Great Depression, fighting for better working conditions and fair wages. Her leadership of the 1938 Pecan Shellers Strike, which became one of the largest labor movements in San Antonio’s history, demonstrated her unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and social justice.
Willie Velasquez’s legacy was represented by his wife Jane Velasquez and their daughters. As the founder of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP), Velasquez transformed Latino political participation with his iconic phrase “Su voto es su voz” (Your vote is your voice). His work led to a 50% increase in Mexican American voter registration within a decade of SVREP’s founding.
Labor rights activist Jaime Martinez was represented by his son Ernest Martinez, who carries forward his father’s work. The elder Martinez, who grew up on San Antonio’s west side, became a powerful voice for workers’ rights through the International Union of Electrical Workers and created the César E. Chávez Legacy and Education Foundation.
The evening’s entertainment featured award-winning Tejano artist Stephanie Montiel, currently leading nominations for the Annual Tejano Music Industry Awards. Student mariachi groups from San Antonio and South Texas added to the cultural showcase, demonstrating the vitality of Mexican American musical traditions.
In keeping with Día de los Muertos traditions, the Spurs created a community altar where fans could honor deceased family members and friends. The altar also featured tributes to the evening’s honored civil rights leaders, creating a powerful connection between past and present.
Patricia Mejia, Spurs Vice President for Inclusive Engagement, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering community connection. “At Spurs Sports & Entertainment, we are committed to creating spaces that foster access, healing, and a sense of belonging, while cultivating leaders and legacies in the communities where we live, work, learn, and play,” she stated during the grant presentation to MACRI.
The evening represented more than just a basketball game; it was a celebration of Mexican American resilience, achievement, and ongoing contribution to American society. Through the recognition of historic leaders and support for institutions like MACRI, the Spurs demonstrated their commitment to honoring and preserving this vital legacy for future generations.
