THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: LATINOPIA HERO SILVESTRE RAY MIRELES, REMEMBERING THE ZOOT SUIT RIOTS OF 1943, DAVID ROMO ON ORIGINS OF THE PACHUCOS, RICARDO ROMO’S TEJANO REPORT ON BLAS E. LOPEZ.
This wee were are sad to report that passing of a long time educator and social activist, Silvestre “Ray” Mireles. We post a Latinopia Hero recognition of Dr. Mireles and his lifelong work to further the education of Mexican Americans and other Latinos in the United States. Check out the life and contributions of this true Latinopia Hero!
Eighty three years ago, in the first week of June, 1943, groups of armed sailors and marines rampaged through the streets of East Los Angeles seeking out Mexican American youth dressed in Zoot suits. When they found the youths, they beat them and stripped them of their clothing. This went on for a week and became known as the Zoot Suit Riots. The event was later made into a play by Luis Valdez, Zoot Suit. We remember the Zoot Suit riots with an interview with Dr. David Romo, a borderlands scholar, who explains the likely origins of the Pachuco culture and the use of Zoot suits. We also have an interview Dr. Edward Pagan who explains the atmosphere in Los Angeles in 1943 that led to the Zoot Suit Riots.
Also this week, Ricardo Romo’s Tejano Report delves into the Mexican and Mestizo paintings of Blas E. Lopez which are featured in at the new barrio gallery, Gallery Youngblood Art in San Antonio’s Westside. The exhibit opened on May 16, 2026. Going back to ancient Mexica and other indigenous cultures, these depictions remind us of what life may have been for our ancestors so many years ago.
Enjoy your week on Latinopia!
Tia Tenopia