Home

Media Release Archives

Logos

About KLRU-TV

Media Release

September 4, 2007

KLRU presents special programs in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Austin, TX -- From comedian George Lopez to artists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco, from Texas icons to the extraordinary contributions of Hispanic veterans to the U.S. effort in World War II, KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, will present a number of programs that recognize the cultural, historical and societal impact of America’s growing Hispanic community.

Special programs airing on KLRU (broadcast 18, cable 9) during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 – October 15, include:

Justice for my People:
The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Story
Monday, September 17, 9 p.m.
This documentary tells the story of Dr. Hector P. Garcia — Mexican Revolution refugee, medical doctor to the barrios, decorated war veteran, civil rights activist and presidential confidante — as he fought to bring attention to the Mexican-American civil rights movement. Returning to Texas after World War II with six battle stars, Garcia found that while Mexican-American veterans had been changed by the war, prejudiced America had not. His people faced public school segregation, squalid living conditions in labor camps and second-class citizenship. In 1948, Dr. Garcia founded the American GI Forum, empowering Mexican Americans to fight numerous legal and political battles against discrimination.

The Borinqueneers
Monday, September 17, 10:30 p.m.
The Borinqueneers chronicles the never-before told story of the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in U. S. Army history. Narrated by Hector Elizondo, the documentary relies on the vivid testimony of the regiment's veterans and rare archival footage to trace the unique experience of the 65th, culminating in the Korean War and the dramatic events that would threaten its very existence.

American Masters
“Orozco: Man on Fire”
Wednesday, September 19, at 8 p.m.
This story of an artist whose dramatic life, iconoclastic personality and dynamic painting changed the way we see art and politics. Jose Clemente Orozco’s travels back and forth across the U.S.-Mexico border are emblematic of the experiences of millions of Mexican migrants and immigrants who come seeking a better life in America. His personal convictions and tenacity in the face of daunting obstacles make him a compelling figure with universal appeal. Shot on location in Mexico and the United States, the documentary weaves a rich tapestry of images and sound, evoking Orozco’s artistic style while opening a window onto the artist’s inner life, passions and convictions.

American Masters
“Rivera in America”
Wednesday, September 19, at 9 p.m.
Considered the greatest Mexican painter of the 20th century, Diego Rivera had a profound effect on the international art world. He is credited with the reintroduction of fresco painting into modern art and architecture. His radical political views and tempestuous romance with the painter Frieda Kahlo were then, and remain today, a source of public intrigue.

Brown is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream
Friday, Sept. 21, at 9 p.m.
Latinos, this nation’s largest and fastest-growing minority group, are big business. This program examines how efforts to profit from this group are shaping the contemporary Latino identity. The documentary’s focal point is George Lopez, an icon and advocate for Latinos’ move into the mainstream. Brown is the New Green contrasts his endeavors with the efforts of marketers intent on spinning Latinos as a wholly distinct subculture.

Also, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, PBS launches the highly anticipated fourth season of the animated series Maya & Miguel. Airing Monday to Friday at 4 p.m. on KLRU. Beginning Monday, October 1, a new episode of the returning hit series will premiere each day through October 10 including: “The Wedding,” “The Big Fight,” “Good Luck Paco,” “House Divided” and “I Love Maya.”

About KLRU

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texas through creative excellence,
community engagement and lifelong learning. Although primarily a television station providing locally produced and quality national programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community outreach projects and public events. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

###