WHAT'S NEW
In the fall of 2006, the project began the process of digitizing its thousands of hours of interviews.
The digitization was essential to preserve the tapes. The University of Texas Libraries is handling the first phase of the digitization process, which includes 700 hours of audio interviews and mini-DVs.
Additional funding for the rest of the digitization will be sought through grants from various sources.
One copy of the interview will be housed at the Center for American History. Another copy will reside, with the complete archives, at the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection.
The digitization hastens the transfer of all materials to the Benson.
Reprinting of A Legacy Greater than Words:
The book, which summarizes 425 of the project’s interviews, sold enough in the first six months to pay for its printing.
A Legacy Greater than Words is a self-published book, distributed through the University of Texas Press. The second printing will be available for purchase in early 2007.
Beyond the Latino Warrior-Hero:
The Social and Political legacy of WWII – Project director Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez and UT historian Emilio Zamora are finalizing work for the third book to derive from the project. The University of Texas Press is the publisher.
Contributors include, besides the two editors: Ricardo Griswold del Castillo, San Diego State University; Manuel Medrano, University of Texas, Brownsville; Silvia Alvarez-Curbelo, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedra; Dennis Valdes, Michigan State University; Violeta Dominguez-Lopez, University of Texas at Austin; Rea Ann Trotter, Independent Scholar, Colorado; Ricardo Ainslie, University of Texas at Austin; Brenda Sendejo, University of Texas at Austin; Joanne R. Sanchez, St. Edward’s University
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 12-14, 2008: San Diego, CA - The Project will be in San Diego for the National Council of La Raza's annual convention. We will have a booth at the convention's 2008 Latino Expo USA. The Expo is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us there! Click here for more information.
July 1-29, 2008: Big Spring, TX - "Images of Valor," a traveling exhibit featuring photos from the Project archives will be on display at the Hanger 25 Air Museum. The museum is located at 1911 Apron Drive, Big Spring, TX. Admission is free; museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Their phone number is 432-264-1999. "Images of Valor" is available for exhibition through Humanities Texas. Click here for more information about the exhibit and information on how to rent it.
BIENVENIDOS
World War II was a turning point for the United States, and the war had an impact on U.S. Latinos just as much as other groups. It has been estimated that anywhere from 250,000 to as many as 750,000 Latinos and Latinas served in the armed forces during World War II. The purpose of this site is to foster a greater awareness of their contributions. On our site you will find hundreds of stories, thousands of photos, oral history training videos, all the forms and guidelines you need to submit a videotaped interview or tribute to the project. We welcome your comments and suggestions.SPOTLIGHT ON:
Domingo Cantu
Date of Birth: 01-01-1922
Interviewed by: Antonio Cantu
WWII Military Unit: Army
By David R Zavala
On his first night of fighting in World War II Europe, Domingo Cantu landed for his first mission, and was unable to free himself from his parachute. As Cantu struggled and tugged to get the chute off, he heard the blasts of enemy fire.
Cantu did not panic. He grabbed his knife and cut the chute off. It was in this first battle that Cantu knew he was in for a difficult time and that the war would change his ...
