The Strategic Alliance for Leadership and Social Action (SALSA) honored six Mexicano Trailblazers of Brownwood at a dinner held Saturday, October 14, at Adams Street Community Center, bringing to 20 the number of trailblazers honored to date. The 2023 Class of Trailblazers broke new ground in education, athletics, employment, politics, and the movie industry.

Honored was Esther Camacho, who in 1963 graduated from Howard Payne College and became the first Brownwood resident of Mexican ancestry to enter the field of public education. She taught school in Anton, Goliad, and Brownwood. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Baylor University and counselor certification from Southwest Texas State University and worked in the curriculum department at Howard Payne before retiring in 1995.

In 1964, Ismael Benavides became the first athlete of Mexican ancestry from Brownwood to be a member of the BHS track team that won District, Regional, and State championships in the 440-yard relay and mile-relay. He later ran track at Ranger Junior College. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, served in Viet Nam, and was honorably discharged. He retired from the Santa Fe Railroad in 2007.

In 1965, the 3M plant opened in Brownwood and started hiring numerous employees for its three daily 8-hour shifts. The first Brownwood resident employed by the company was Nino Gonzales, also making him the first resident of Mexican ancestry employed at 3M. Over the years 3M became a major source of employment for many families of Mexican ancestry.

In 1979, Raul Garcia became the first Brownwood resident of Mexican ancestry elected to lead a major political party. He served as Chairman of the Brown County Democratic Party. He is currently a partner at Edgefactory Entertainment based in Orlando, Florida.

In 1993, Benny “Benito” Garza became the first resident of Mexican ancestry to earn about every honor possible in football, being chosen 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.

In 2004, Eddie Gomez became the first Brownwood resident of Mexican ancestry to appear in film – The Alamo and later in Alita. His appearances in a television series began in 2017 and include The Son, Queen of the South, Showdown on the Brazos, Buckskin, Washington’s Armor, Fear of the Walking Dead, Yellowstone, and 1883.