Here in San Antonio, we take pride in our Hispanic Heritage and celebrate the icons who have trailblazed to make it what it is today. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, our community honors some of our Hispanic heroes with an epic art installation along the San Antonio River Walk.

Join us as we check out the Hispanic Heroes project, where some of our biggest community heroes come alive as your favorite superheroes.   

The Hispanic Heroes Project

On Display Along the San Antonio River Walk from September 15 to October 15, 2024

The Hispanic Heroes project is an art installation by the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) featuring Hispanic San Antonio leaders who have made and continue to make an impact in our community. The project is an extension of the organization's online Chispas exhibit, highlighting Mexican American civil rights trailblazers who have shaped San Antonio policy and change.

This exciting new extension takes a superhero-themed pop art portrayal of key individuals who have flexed their superpowers to make changes for the better.  

The eight featured hero portraits can be seen in San Antonio River Walk hotels and landmarks, including:

The Heroes

Jovita Idar

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Mexican American Journalist, Activist, and Advocate of Mexican American Women’s Rights

Jovita Idar as Catwoman
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1885-1946

Portrayed in the style of Catwoman, Jovita Idar was a nurse, teacher, and journalist who promoted women's right to vote, bilingual education, and immigration rights in the early 1900s.

Alonso S. Perales

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Founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Alonso S. Perales as Captain America
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1898-1960

Portrayed in the style of Captain America, Alonso S. Perales was a civil rights lawyer who played a key role in advancing Mexican American rights. In 1929, he spearheaded the organization of LULAC, or the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Raoul A. Cortez

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Civil Rights Activist and Latino Media Pioneer

Gus Garcia as Wolverine
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1905-1971

Painted in the style of Wolverine, Raoul A. Cortez was a pioneering broadcast journalist. In 1947, he founded the first full-time Spanish-language radio and television stations in the United States.

Gus C. Garcia

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Mexican American Civil Rights Attorney

Gus Garcia as Ironman
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1915-1964

Taking inspiration from Iron Man, Gus C. Garcia was a civil rights lawyer. In 1948, he achieved a landmark victory in Delgado vs. Bastrop ISD, which led to a court order for the desegregation of Mexican Americans in Texas public schools in 1949. 

Emma Tenayuca

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Labor Rights Activist and Union Organizer

Emma Tenayuca as Wonder Woman
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1916-1999

Taking inspiration from Wonder Woman, Emma Tenayuca was a labor rights activist and union organizer known for leading the Pecan Shellers Strike of 1938. She later earned her master’s in education and worked as a teacher. 

Alberto Antonio Peña Jr.

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Civil Rights Activist and First Mexican American Bexar County Commissioner

Albert Pena as Superman
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1917-2006

Inspired by Superman, Alberto Antonio Peña Jr. was the first Mexican American to serve as a Bexar County Commissioner in 1956. He held the role until 1972. He was also a fierce advocate for school integration. 

María Antonietta Berriozábal

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Chicano Movement Activist and First Hispanic Councilwoman for the City of San Antonio

Maria Antonietta Berriozabal as Captain Marvel
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1941 - 

In the style of Captain Marvel, María Antonietta Berriozábal is a community advocate for affordable housing and the first Latina elected to the San Antonio City Council. She also founded Hispanas Unidas.  

Rebecca Flores

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Labor Activist and Vice President of the National United Farm Workers Union

Rebeca Flores as Storm
Photo by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute

1942 - 

Inspired by Storm, Rebecca Flores is a civil rights activist and legend in the farmworker movement. In the late 1990s, she was named vice president of the United Farm Workers organization.