Fronteras by Texas Public Radio

04.19.2024

Fronteras: 'Our own government was working against them' — Declassifying FBI files on the Latino civil rights movement

The FBI and CIA surveilled the Latino civil rights movement and its leaders in the 1960s and '70s at the height of the communist panic. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro and his mother, activist Rosie Castro, talk about the effort to...

04.12.2024

‘We were not communists’ — A dive into FBI surveillance of Cesar Chávez and the United Farm Workers movement

The United Farm Workers of America became a target of FBI surveillance during the communist scare of the 1960s and '70s. Arturo Rodriguez spent over 50 years with the UFW. He talks about working alongside civil rights leader Cesar Chávez...

04.05.2024

‘Singing from a deeper place’ — Singer Lisa Morales talks life, inspirations ahead of TPR concert

Musician Lisa Morales has released six albums both as a solo artist and as part of the duo, Sisters Morales. She discusses her introduction to music growing up in Tucson, Arizona, the death of her sister Roberta in 2021, and...

03.28.2024

Fronteras: ‘Thirty Talks Weird Love’ fuses time travel with poetry in a love letter to Juárez, femicide victims, and the author’s younger self

Thirty Talks Weird Love confronts mental health issues, the growing pains of young adulthood, and the ongoing violence against women in Cuidad Juárez. Author Alessandra Narváez Varela discusses her inspiration behind the book and what she hopes readers take away.

03.22.2024

‘Agua es vida’ — Todos Agua festival celebrates the significance of water through poetry, art and music

Todos Agua is a three-day celebration at San Antonio's Esperanza Peace & Justice Center that honors the community's spiritual and cultural connections to water. Three of its featured artists include poet Carmen Tafolla, musician Azul Barrientos, and activist María Berriozábal.

03.14.2024

‘There aren’t simple answers’ — Examining the cause of ongoing violence in the Mexican border city of Juárez

Howard Campbell spent over three decades in Cuidad Juárez speaking to victims and perpetrators of ongoing violence in the city. He includes their stories and an analysis of the violence in the book, "Downtown Juárez: Underworlds of Violence & Abuse."

03.08.2024

Fronteras: ‘Downtown Juárez’ argues against one-dimensional view of violence, abuse and exploitation in the Mexican border city

Cuidad Juárez — a sister city to El Paso, Texas — had once been dubbed the "murder capital of the world." Anthropologist Howard Campbell breaks down the complex causes of the violence in the book "Downtown Juárez: Underworlds of Violence...

03.01.2024

Fronteras: Local activists, historians, and writers say San Antonio’s historic West Side goes far beyond its outlaw history

The Jan. 24 panel discussion used the reissue of the book "West of the Creek: Murder, Mayhem and Vice in Old San Antonio" as a launching point for a broader conversation about the importance — and misconceptions — of San...

02.23.2024

Fronteras: A different perspective to tales of murder, mayhem and vice on San Antonio’s historic West Side

Texas Public Radio and Trinity University Press hosted a book club discussion on the reissue of "West of the Creek: Murder, Mayhem and Vice in Old San Antonio." Local activists, historians, and writers used the book as a launching point...

02.16.2024

Fronteras: ‘Can We Know the Sound of Forgiveness’ blends art, music, and spoken word to explore the complexities of existence

The massive multidisciplinary project stemmed from a large-scale painting of the same name by New Mexico-based artist, James Drake. The performance features themes of conflict, suffering, and healing.

02.09.2024

Fronteras: Migration Policy Institute says Biden’s presidency mired by border crisis narratives despite 535 immigration actions

A recent analysis from the MPI examines Biden's presidency at its three-year mark. Two of its co-writers discuss how despite accusations of inaction at the border, legal immigration numbers have gone back to Pre-Trump and pre-COVID normal.

02.02.2024

‘Segundo de Febrero’ exhibit embraces duality of Chicano culture and life

San Antonio's Centro Cultural Aztlan presents the 47th annual "Segundo de Febrero" exhibit to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This year's exhibition, "Seguimos" or "we go on," explores themes of migration, adaptation, and...

01.26.2024

Local San Antonio students gain new perspective on U.S.-Mexico relations through Mexico City trip

Seventeen students and 10 teachers under the CAST Schools network in San Antonio visited Mexico City last month as part of a diplomacy program that aims to strengthen the cultural and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. Some of...

01.19.2024

Drug wars, militarization of Mexico and the border, and the future of the Mexican presidency

The drug war in Mexico has claimed thousands of lives in the country over the span of three presidents. Alexander Aviña — an expert on immigration and state violence in Mexico — discusses the drug war, the 2024 Mexican presidency,...

01.12.2024

‘It’s a binational issue’ — The myths and realities of drug smuggling on the U.S.-Mexico border

Alexander Aviña, associate professor of history at Arizona State University, discusses the historical precedent of drug violence in Mexico, the United State's role, and possible solutions moving forward.

01.05.2024

Fronteras: ‘This is U.S. History’ — Exhibit 'Life & Death on the Border' sheds light on state-sanctioned violence against Mexicans in Texas

Our Lady of the Lake University associate professors Christopher Carmona and Valerie Martínez take Fronteras on a tour of the panel exhibit "Life & Death on the Border: 1910-1920." The exhibit explores topics ranging from the militarization of the border,...

12.29.2023

Fronteras: ‘Life and Death on the Border’ exhibit highlights the buried history of anti-Mexican violence in Texas

The exhibit is on display at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio through March 31 and was arranged by Refusing to Forget, a group of historians who work to bring awareness to the period of state-sanctioned violence...

12.22.2023

San Antonians mentored by journalist María Martin say her legacy will ‘live beyond’

Pioneer María Martin helped train participants at San Antonio's Esperanza Peace & Justice Center before her death. Some of those students reflect on what they learned and how Martin's legacy in journalism will live on.

12.15.2023

Remembering María Martin — a pioneer in uplifting the voices of Latinos in journalism

Journalist María Martin died Dec. 2 at the age of 72. Fronteras takes a look back at past interviews with Martin that discuss her life and pioneering work to tell underrepresented stories in the U.S. and Central America.

12.08.2023

Fronteras: ‘Recognizing the sacredness of the food’ — Taking a deep dive into the impact of indigenous food and ingredients

Four San Antonio chefs, advocates, and community members came together as part of the Great SA: Native American Influence on South Texas Cuisine panel, hosted by Texas Public Radio. In part two of the conversation, panelists take questions and discuss...

12.01.2023

Fronteras: ‘Indigenous food is not disconnected’ — A conversation about the Native American influence on South Texas cuisine

Texas Public Radio took a deep dive into the importance of traditional indigenous foods during a Great SA panel discussion moderated by TPR's Norma Martinez. The four-person panel discusses native ingredients and how they connect to our food today.

11.24.2023

‘Latinx art is American Art’ — A walkthrough of Latino artworks on display at the McNay Art Museum

The McNay's first curator of Latinx art takes Fronteras on a tour of works by Latino artists on display across multiple galleries. Artworks range from photo-realistic representations of Mexican conchas to an installation that pays tribute to the migrant lives...

11.17.2023

The McNay Art Museum’s first curator of Latinx art talks ‘renaissance’ of Latino artists and art

Curator Mia Lopez is fine-tuning the Latino art collection at San Antonio's McNay Art Museum. Lopez talks about what led her to the position, why it's important for Latino artworks to get long-overdue recognition, and begins to introduce the works...

11.10.2023

Fronteras: 'I belong to this history' — Rio Grande Valley scholars showcase civil rights history in public space

Nosotrxs Por El Valle, a group of historians and activists from the Rio Grande Valley, have launched a traveling exhibit to share the community's history with residents. Co-founder Juan Carmona and three of the group's members discuss the experience.

11.03.2023

‘Becoming Texas’ podcast revisits the Texas epic from its pre-colonial past to its emerging cultura

The new podcast explores diverse stories of Texas, from how corridos served as historical storytelling devices, to the anti-Mexican violence by the Texas Rangers in the early 20th century. Host John Phillips Santos discusses more about the project.

10.27.2023

New podcast explores undertold narratives that challenge the Texas myth

The "Becoming Texas" podcast aims to bring to light a broader perspective of Texas history — one outside the stories of the Alamo and Texas independence. Host John Phillip Santos discusses the effort to preserve and popularize the complete story...

10.20.2023

‘Daughters of Latin America’ breaks barriers to showcase the words of women over five centuries

The anthology collects voices and writings of 140 women that span time, styles, and traditions into one volume. Editor Sandra Guzmán and contributors Norma Elia Cantú and Natalia Trigo discuss the anthology's 13 sections, its use of Latine in the...

10.13.2023

Fronteras: New anthology highlights the 'exquisite and brilliant' works of Latine women across genres and generations

The works of 140 writers, leaders, scholars, and activists are compiled in the anthology "Daughters of Latin America: An International Anthology of Writing by Latine Women." Editor Sandra Guzmán and contributors Norma Cantú and Natalia Trigo speak about their works...

10.06.2023

Fronteras: 'Mexico was a safe haven’ — The hidden history of enslaved people who found freedom across the border

The flight of enslaved people to Mexico is an often untold part of history — and San Antonio played an important role. Professors Mekala Audain and María Esther Hammack were two key speakers at the recent "San Antonio in the...

09.29.2023

Fronteras: ‘Immigration is not charity; it’s necessity’ — CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service talks advocacy & compassion

President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refuge Service, Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, discusses immigration policy and how the organization works to assist migrants and refugees.

09.22.2023

‘Tacos of Texas’ podcast serves up its third season on the roots of Texas-Mexican foodways

Season three of the Tacos of Texas podcast takes listeners across the state to meet the people behind Taco culture. Host and producer Mando Rayo discusses how the newest season explores topics from culturally relevant foods in schools to a...

09.15.2023

The words of Chicana poets sing in the Chicana Art Song Project

The Chicana Art Song Project takes the texts of Chicana writers and sets them to original music. Founder Noël Archambeault and South Texas composer Edna Alejandra Longoria discuss the significance of the project in classical music.

09.08.2023

Fronteras: Oral histories highlight the untold struggles for social justice in Black and Brown communities across Texas

Researchers with the Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Program traveled across Texas to gather oral histories of communities of color in civil rights movements. Their stories are complied in the book, "Civil Rights in Black and Brown:...

09.01.2023

‘It goes beyond food’—Third-generation pitmaster continues family’s legacy through barbecue

Adrian Davila is carrying barbecue traditions started by his grandfather as owner and president of operations at Davila's BBQ in Seguin and the newest Davila's on Wheels food truck in San Antonio. He discusses the history of food and barbecue...

08.25.2023

Unique dialect of Caló‘ reflects hard-fought human experiences of Chicano borderland barrios

The radio program "Caló: A Borderlands Dialect" features words and phrases from the dialect of Caló, which originated in Europe and made its way to the Southwest. Host Oscar Rodriguez discusses the history and meaning of the words, and why...

08.18.2023

Do you translate for a non-English speaking member of your family at the doctor's office or at a restaurant? You're probably a language broker.

UT Austin assistant professor Belem López discusses the importance — and the implications — of the day-to-day informal language process known as language brokering.

08.11.2023

Texas State professor to study 'beautiful and brilliant' ways bilingual children use language in math class

José Martínez Hinestroza received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study how bilingual students in bilingual classrooms learn math. He discusses how elementary students have used their language to learn mathematical concepts and what he hopes future teachers...

08.04.2023

‘Fearless, bold, audacious’ — Teatro Audaz highlights the experiences and cultures of underserved communities

San Antonio-based Teatro Audaz aims to bring diverse and inclusive productions to the stage. The theater's executive and managing directors discuss past and future productions, and how the unique plays help young audiences see themselves represented in theater and beyond.

07.28.2023

Exploring the little-known history of the first school system in Texas organized ‘top to bottom’ by Mexican Americans

The Mexican American barrio of San Felipe in Del Rio, Texas took steps to educate their children in their own way. Jesús Esparza is the author of "Raza Schools," a forthcoming book that explores the rise and fall of San...

07.21.2023

'It's a different kind of workshop': Writers with conciencia gather at this month's Macondo Writers Workshop

San Antonio is home to the Macondo Writers Workshop, a five-day annual event that gathers like-minded writers from across the country. Writers learn and share their work to foster creativity and serve the community. Trinity University will host this year's...

07.14.2023

South Texas Latino comedians talk representation and inspiration at TPR-hosted panel

Comedians Vanessa Gonzalez, Raul Sanchez, and Tori Pool took center stage June 6 in celebration of Latino comedy as part of TPR's Creekside Sessions series. They participated in an hour-long set before sitting down for a conversation moderated by Fronteras...

07.07.2023

Journalist María Martin discusses 'cyclical' news coverage of Central America and an ongoing pattern of violence

Several countries across Central America have seen freedom of the press slowly chip away, including in Guatemala. Veteran journalist María Martin discusses the the cycle of violence in the country, the limited news coverage coming out of the region, and...

06.30.2023

‘A crisis of democracy’— Journalist María Martin explores the attack on journalism in Guatemala

María Martin hosted and produced SOS Central America, an in-depth podcast that follows the ongoing deterioration of democracy and rule of law in many Central American countries. The pilot episode explores renowned Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora, who was imprisoned...

06.23.2023

‘The Chicana Lois Lane’ — Anthology collects works inspired by the life of activist and journalist Jovita Idár

Jovita Idár was a teacher, nurse, journalist, and feminist who played an important role in Texas history during the 19th and early 20th century. A forthcoming anthology is collecting poetry, photographs, and other works that honor her life and contributions.

06.16.2023

San Antonio-based Tinta Books uplifts stories on Mexico and Mexican American life

Trinity University Press established Tinta Books imprint to focus on Mexican American culture, history, and foreign affairs. Publisher Tom Payton and editor-at-large Yvette Benavides discuss the idea behind the impress, its first release of books, and its efforts to diversity...

06.09.2023

‘Nuestra gente, nuestra comida’ — Encuentro event celebrates the indigenous roots and impacts of Texas Mexican food

Scholars and chefs who attended the one-of-a-kind event "Encuentro: The Native American Roots of Texas Mexican Food" reflect on their experiences talking and learning about indigenous cuisine.

06.02.2023

Undocumented and formerly undocumented migrants document themselves in ‘Somewhere We Are Human’

The anthology is a collection of poems, essays, and illustrations by 41 migrants, refugees, and Dreamers. Co-editors Reyna Grande and Sonia Guiñansaca discuss how the book highlights the unique and complex experiences of what it's like to live undocumented today.

05.26.2023

'These are human beings' — The effort to exhume, identify, and repatriate migrant remains

A forensic anthropology professor and her two graduate students spent a week in Eagle Pass, Texas, to help exhume and identify those who died crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. They reflect on their experience working with Operation Identification, an effort that...

05.19.2023

'It's a lifestyle" — San Antonio's new poet laureate embraces Chicano culture in his works

Chicano writer Nephtalí De León was named the sixth San Antonio Poet Laureate in March. His poetry, children's stories, and paintings take on a social justice bent and aim to capture the essence of Chicano culture.

05.12.2023

New San Antonio Poet Laureate Nephtalí De León discusses life, inspirations in the ‘Mecca of Chicano Arts’

Nephtalí DeLeón is a Chicano writer and artist known for his poetry, children's stories, essays, and painting. The self-described "Chicano gypsy poet" will serve as San Antonio's Poet Laureate from 2023-2026.

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