The second CMAS Faculty Book Plática features Emilio Zamora, Professor in the Department of History and faculty affiliate of CMAS. Professor Zamora edited and translated (translation with Ben Maya) The World War I Diary of José de la Luz Sáenz (Texas A&M University Press, 2014).

CMAS Faculty Book Plática: Emilio Zamora

Wed, May 7, 2014 • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM • Quadrangle Room (UNB 3.304), Texas Union, The University of Texas at Austin

The Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS) hosts a book plática series focusing on the recent work of our faculty affiliates. The CMAS Faculty Book Plática Series provides a forum for the discussion of new books published during the academic year.

The second CMAS Faculty Book Plática features Emilio Zamora, Professor in the Department of History and faculty affiliate of CMAS. Professor Zamora edited and translated (translation with Ben Maya) The World War I Diary of José de la Luz Sáenz (Texas A&M University Press, 2014). A skilled and dedicated teacher in South Texas before and after the war, José de la Luz Sáenz’s served with the 90th Division and saw action in two of the War’s major offensives. Aside from addressing the problem of discrimination at home and in the U.S. military, Sáenz recounts the horrific war experience that he and his fellow soldiers faced, as well as the bravery and gallantry of Mexican soldiers under fire. Sáenz also speaks extensively of Mexican “battlefield sacrifices” as a moral basis for claiming equal rights at the homefront. In 1929, four years before the publication of the diary, Sáenz participates in the establishment of the League of United Latin American Citizens and influences the civil rights organization to adopt the record of battlefield sacrifice in its fight against discrimination and segregation.

A panel of commentators, Professor Andrés Tijerina (Austin Community College) and Martha P. Cotera (activist and independent scholar), will join Professor Zamora to discuss the book.

Sponsored by: Center for Mexican American Studies