Today, the Strategic Alliance for Leadership and Social Action (SALSA) announced the 2023 class of Mexicano Trailblazers of Brownwood. SALSA Board Chairperson, Susie Flores, said “This year’s recipients of our Trailblazer Awards are truly extraordinary in a wider range of endeavors than those honored in previous years. They are trailblazers who broke new ground in education, athletics, employment, and politics. As children of Brownwood’s first Mexican families, these first-generation Americans fulfilled their parents’ hopes and dreams and made their sacrifices worthwhile.” They are:

Esther Camacho – in 1963 became Brownwood’s first public school educator of Mexican ancestry; taught school in Anton, Goliad, Abilene, and Brownwood public schools; a graduate of Howard Payne College, she earned a Master of Art degree in education at Baylor University; was a counselor certified by Southwest Texas State University; was a member of the American Association of University Women and Delta Kappa Gamma; worked in the Curriculum Department at Howard Payne and retired in 1995.

Saturnino “Nino” Gonzales – in 1965 was the first person employed at 3M; was the first person of Mexican ancestry employed at 3M; and was a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.

Ismael Benavides – a track star, in 1964 he was a member of the track team that won the District Championship in the 440-yard relay and One Mile relay, the Regional Championship in the 440-yard relay and One Mile relay, and the State Championship in the 440-yard relay and One Mile relay; set records that still stand today; and later ran track at Ranger Junior College.

Raul Garcia – first person of Mexican ancestry to serve as Chairman of a major political party – the Brown County Democratic Party; partner at Edgefactory Entertainment based in Orlando. FL.

Benny “Benito” Garza – a football star, in 1992 he made All-District; in 1993, he made Academic All-District, All-District, All-Area, All-Region, The Abilene Super Team, Defensive MVP, and All-State; In 2020 he was inducted into the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions.

Eddie Gomez – the first artist of Mexican ancestry in films and television; in 2004 appeared in The Alamo and later in Alita; his appearances in television series began in 2017 and include The Son, Queen pf the South, Showdown on the Brazos, Buckskin, Washington’s Armor, Fear of the Walking Dead, Yellowstone, and 1883.

The Mexicano Trailblazers of Brownwood awards will be presented at a private dinner for honorees and their family members, SALSA members, and invited guests only. The dinner will be held at 5pm, Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Adams Street Community Center.