District 5 Councilmember Files Council Consideration Request
Published on February 19, 2024
District 5 Councilmember Files Council Consideration Request Commemorating Mexican American Civil Rights Leader Jovita Idar
SAN ANTONIO (February 19, 2024) — Councilwoman Teri Castillo, with the assistance of the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI), filed a Council Consideration Request to commemorate the legacy of Civil Rights hero Jovita Idar.
The proposed memorial way designation is for Robert B. Green Way from La Trinidad to North Frio Street. The designation would not impact the official street name or mailing address.
Jovita Idar (Laredo, 1885 – San Antonio, 1946) dedicated her life to fighting anti-Mexican violence and injustice throughout her life as a journalist, suffragist, educator, nurse, and civil rights activist. Idar began her career as a teacher at an under-resourced Mexican school in Texas, and later became a journalist for notable newspaper publications such as La Cronica, El Progresso, La Prensa, El Heraldo Cristiano, and her own newspaper La Evolucion.
After the Mexican Revolutionary War, where Jovita served as a nurse for the Cruz Blanca, Idar moved to San Antonio’s Westside where she spent the rest of her life.
“Jovita Idar was an important figure for Mexican American Civil Rights. Her fearless organizing efforts and journalism were instrumental toward the struggle for equality and serve as a guide for us today,” the Councilwoman continued, “I am grateful that the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute has made strong concerted efforts to memorialize the Civil Rights leaders from San Antonio that paved the way for us.”
The proposed memorial designation comes at a time when the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute, San Anto Cultural Arts, and Dress for Success San Antonio painted a mural to enshrine the work of Jovita Idar. Additionally, the United States Treasury commemorated Jovita Idar’s legacy through the American Women Quarters Program, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women in the United States.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Councilwoman Castillo on another opportunity to recognize a Mexican American civil rights trailblazer through the honorary street designation program, stated Dr. Sarah Zenaida Gould, “We hope this designation will bring more recognition to the contributions Mexican Americans have made to advance democracy for all.”