Courtesy of Karen Carr

The Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss Library at Our Lady of the  Lake University (OLLU) proudly presents “Alonso S. Perales: Civil Rights Trailblazer” — a traveling exhibit by the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI), created with  support from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the  Humanities. This exhibit highlights the life and legacy of Alonso S. Perales (1898-1960)—a  civil rights lawyer, U.S. diplomat, and public intellectual, who played a pivotal yet often  overlooked role in American history. Drawing from Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco’s biography on  Perales, this exhibit aims to introduce Perales to a new generation.

Alongside MACRI’s exhibit, the Sueltenfuss Library also presents:

“Legacy in Motion: Creatively Reinterpreting Alonso Perales for a New Generation” Curated by the library, this showcase features historical photographs alongside creative  projects developed by OLLU students reflecting on Perales’ impact on Mexican American  civil rights. Highlights include:

• “A Legacy in Linocut” — This exhibit showcases a series of linocut prints  created by students in OLLU’s Visual & New Media Arts printmaking course  to honor the legacy of Alonso S. Perales. Led by Dr. Suzy González, the works  reflect artistic interpretations of Perales’ impact and contributions.

• “A Geographic Timeline: Alonso Perales’ Life-Long Legacy of Justice &  Equality” – This interactive, bilingual multimedia presentation, created by  students in Dr. Kim Kennedy’s Reading Comprehension course (EDUC),  explores key moments in Perales’ lifelong fight for justice and equality.

• “Explorando El Legado de Alonso Perales: Hands-On Learning Activities” – Designed for students, this interactive experience enhances the Perales  exhibit with engaging, hands-on activities for school aged children. It was  developed by students in Dr. Kim Kennedy’s undergraduate and graduate  education courses.

• “Perales in Photos” – A photographic display curated by The Sueltenfuss  Library, featuring images courtesy of Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary  Heritage, Arte Público Press, University of Houston.

Perales and San Antonio

Alonso S. Perales was one of the most influential Latino civil rights leaders in U.S. history,  leaving a profound civic, political, educational, and intellectual legacy. Born in Alice, Texas,  Perales’ life spanned two world wars and exposed him to the widespread anti-Mexican  discrimination that fueled his passion for advocacy. A principal founder of the League of  United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in 1929—one of the nation’s oldest and most  effective Latino civil rights organizations—Perales dedicated his career to advancing  equality for Mexican Americans. His efforts were particularly impactful in San Antonio,  where he played a key role in the fight for school desegregation and spearheaded a  movement to improve educational opportunities for Mexican-descent communities. Today,  Alonso S. Perales Elementary School, located less than a mile from Our Lady of the Lake  University, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in San Antonio’s West Side and  beyond.

Perales’ Legacy and Our Lady of the Lake University

Alonso S. Perales’ lifelong dedication to civil rights, social justice, and educational access  resonates deeply with Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) mission and core values.  OLLU has long been at the forefront of advancing opportunities for Hispanic students and  championing equity in higher education. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and  Universities (HACU), now representing over 500 HSIs in the U.S., Latin America, and Spain,

was founded on the OLLU campus in 1986—further solidifying the university’s leadership in  Hispanic education and advocacy.

Perales’ connection to OLLU is more than philosophical; his wife, Marta Pérez de Perales,  was a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake College in the 1920s. The university has also played  a historic role in civil rights, hosting the U.S. Commission on Mexican American Civil Rights  hearings in 1968 and, more recently, serving as the founding site of MACRI (Mexican  American Civil Rights Institute) in 2019.

By hosting MACRI’s inaugural traveling exhibit, OLLU continues its tradition of fostering  meaningful dialogue on civil rights, social justice, and the Hispanic experience. The  Sueltenfuss Library, in collaboration with faculty and students, proudly brings together  historical reflection and contemporary engagement, ensuring Perales’ impact reaches a  new generation. This exhibit not only honors his legacy but also inspires ongoing  conversations in OLLU’s classrooms and beyond. Additionally, local schools, including the  namesake Alonso S. Perales Elementary School, will be invited to engage with specially  designed educational materials, further extending the reach of Perales’ vision for justice  and equality.

The Sueltenfuss Library: Honoring History Through Discovery and Dialogue

The Alonso S. Perales exhibit and the related event series is a natural fit for the  Sueltenfuss Library, a dynamic resource for discovery, dialogue, and engagement. While its  extensive print and electronic collections provide a foundation for academic exploration,  the library also serves as a catalyst for inspiration through unique exhibits, thought provoking panel discussions, and interactive events. By fostering a culture of curiosity and  critical inquiry, the library transcends traditional boundaries, enriching the university  experience and empowering students to connect past and present in meaningful ways.  Hosting the Alonso S. Perales exhibit aligns with this mission, offering a space where  history, scholarship, and civic engagement intersect to inspire the next generation of  changemakers.

Exhibit Dates and Special Events

The exhibition will be open to the public from March 1 to April 18, 2025. A special event will be held at the library on Thursday, March 20th.

For more information about hours, events, or to arrange group visits, contact the  Sueltenfuss Library at (210) 431-3923, or visit: library@ollusa.edu

The Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) develops public programs and  exhibitions highlighting Mexican American civil rights history. For more information, please  visit MACRI online at http://somosMACRI.org.