Courtesy UTSA Special Collections

About Macri

Expanding the story of civil rights in the U.S.
MACRI is building the first national Mexican American civil rights history museum!

MISSION

Rooted in and inspired by San Antonio’s legacy, the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) is the premier national organization dedicated to chronicling and advancing the Mexican American community’s civil rights efforts in the U.S.

MACRI Collection

VISION

The Mexican American Civil Rights Institute envisions communities where all Americans are inspired by the Mexican American civil rights legacy and see themselves as participants and transformational leaders in advancing democracy for all.

Guiding Principles:

Civil rights are an expansive and significant set of rights designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment. For the Mexican American community, they are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and be free from discrimination including in the areas of education, employment, voting, housing, public accommodations, immigration, economic opportunity, as well as on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, and more. We strongly believe that all individuals should be treated with dignity and respect and are part of our common humanity.

OUR ROOTS ARE IN SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio is the national cradle of Mexican American civil rights history, as the birthplace of numerous significant Mexican American civil rights organizations, leaders, and historic events that have shaped the history of civil rights in the United States.

MACRI continues the legacy of Mexican American Civil rights activism and advocacy

We believe knowledge of our civil rights history inspires action to advance democratic values, amplify voices, and enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and communities.

MACRI is important for all Americans

We expand the public’s understanding of the U.S. civil rights story because Mexican Americans' ongoing struggle for civil rights has created enduring change for ALL Americans, including indigenous communities and newcomers to this country.

People power movements that promote democratic ideals

The history of Mexican American civil rights teaches us that empowered people drive and sustain movements and our democracy. We create safe spaces that educate and empower people and we stand in solidarity with other historically oppressed communities.

Mexican American civil rights history is ongoing, dynamic and exceedingly relevant

Telling and retelling Mexican American civil rights history has the power to transform our collective consciousness, lived experience, identity, resilience, and self- determination, now and into the future.

Organization’s History

The First Five Years

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Pre-MACRI

Following the 50th anniversaries of milestone Mexican American civil rights events, meetings begin in earnest to determine how to keep Mexican American civil rights history alive for future generations.

Incorporation & Seed Funding

On May 29, 2019, MACRI incorporates as the National Institute of Mexican American History of Civil Rights. In September, MACRI receives seed funding from the City of San Antonio. In November, Dr. Ezequiel Pena is appointed as MACRI’s Interim Executive Director.

Public Launch & Pandemic Pivot

In January, a press conference to announce MACRI’s plans, is held at Our Lady of the Lake University, home to MACRI’s first office. In July, Dr. Sarah Zenaida Gould, takes the helm as Interim Executive Director, and oversees the organization’s rebranding as the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute, or, MACRI. In August, MACRI holds a half-day Virtual Launch, featuring an array of prominent figures in Mexican American civil rights. In September, MACRI debuts one of its signature programs, Virtual MACRI Talks.

Growing Virtual Reach

The MACRI Talks series audience grows to reach tens of thousands of viewers. In May, MACRI releases the first issue of Brown Papers. In August, MACRI holds a two-day Virtual Symposium with guest speakers including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Joaquin Castro, and the Smithsonian’s Eduardo Diaz. In September, MACRI launches its first virtual exhibit, CHISPAS.

Focus on Programming

MACRI hosts 18 MACRI Talks, expands partnerships with other organizations, and launches Honorary Street Names Project. In October, MACRI hosts a hybrid 2-day Symposium including speakers Norma V. Cantu, Sec. Henry G. Cisneros, and filmmakers Sylvia Morales and Hector Galan. In December, MACRI receives $500,000 Mellon Grant.

Major Growth

MACRI diversifies funding, launches first film series, and expands staff.In January, MACRI leads an SA to DC delegation to the National Museum of the American Latino’s Molina Gallery. MACRI becomes an official partner for the Jovita Idar quarter launch, and in September, hosts a three-day celebration including a one-day symposium on Jovita. In October, MACRI’s Visitor Center opens.

Planning Ahead

In May, MACRI hosts a 5th anniversary luncheon and 2-day symposium with speakers including Sec. Julian Castro, author Julissa Arce, and Pulitzer Prize winner Silvia Foster Frau. In June, MACRI launches its first traveling exhibit. In September, MACRI announces the completion of the site feasibility study for permanent home.

In The News

Spurs give MACRI $20,000 donation

In November, the San Antonio Spurs commemorated Hispanic Heritage Night with a $20,000 donation to MACRI.

MACRI screens groundbreaking Dia de los Muertos documentary

In late October, MACRI partnered with Día de los Muertos at Hemisfair for a screening of Lourdes Portillo’s 1988 documentary La Ofrenda: The Days of the Dead.

MACRI Museum Site Feasibility Study Press Conference

In September 2024, MACRI held a press conference for the completion of the site feasibility study for a permanent national museum, attracting heavy press coverage.

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