Historian to Lecture on "Tejanos" at A&M International Mon., Nov. 8

Texas A&M International University invites the community to yet another presentation of the A.R. Sánchez Lecture Series featuring Dr. Andrés Tijerina, associate professor of Austin Community College.

The lecture, titled, "Before the Alamo: Tejanos and Texas Freedom," is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library. The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

During his lecture, Dr. Tijerina will provide an in-depth look at how Tejanos had already fought for their freedom long before Davy Crockett and Sam Houston claimed historical fame with the Battle of the Alamo.

While providing an in-depth look at land grant programs created by Tejanos in Tennessee, Tijerina will also discuss their role in creating a ranching industry that would give Texas its hallmark character in the 19th century and had fought and died by the hundreds for freedom from Spain.

According to Tijerina, Tejanos' defiant declarations before W.B. Travis' famous letter from the Alamo were the reason Santa Anna brought his army to Texas.

A native of Ozona, Texas, Tijerina is the author of Tejanos and Texas Under the Mexican Flag, A History of Mexican Americans of Lubbock and Tejano Empire: Life on the South Texas Ranchos.

His most widely read work is his Vietnam War memoirs, published in the final volume of the Time-Life Books series, The Vietnam Experience. Tejanos and Texas Under the Mexican Flag won three state awards, including First Prize in the Presidio La Bahía Award from the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the Kate Broocks Bates Award from the Texas State Historical Association, and the T.R. Fehrenbach Award from the Texas Historical Commission.

For further information, please contact the College of Arts and Humanities at (956) 326-2460. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu