Special Collections and the UH Libraries Web Services Department have been working together to put together a exhibit web page about the upcoming physical exhibit and conference, In Defense of My People: Alonso S. Perales and the Development of Mexican-American Public Intellectuals. This online exhibit page also contains videos featuring Perales’ children and University of Houston scholars discussing Perales’ life and the materials.
Alonso Perales (1898-1960) was a civil rights lawyer and diplomat. From the 1920s until his death, Perales remained a prominent political leader, particularly as a defender of Mexican-American civil rights. Special Collections holds his papers, which document his life and works.
The exhibit, which will run from December 21 through March 1, will explore Perales’ early life and family, his political life and diplomatic service, and his lifelong crusade against discrimination against Mexican Americans. The conference on January 13 will feature scholarly presentations covering a variety of topics related to Perales and his work.
All four videos can be viewed from the web page or via this YouTube playlist, and more information about the Alonso S. Perales Papers can be found in the finding aid.