Alamo Colleges finally has a Mexican-American studies degree.
You would think a degree in Mexican-American Studies at the Alamo Colleges would be an obvious move in a city rich in Mexican-American history and culture.
Think again. An effort to establish the degree at St. Philip’s College took more than a decade of work to put into place.
Even though it’s taken this long — in a college system whose student population is 57.9 percent Hispanic — kudos are in order for finally offering it.
History of where any group of individuals comes from is important, and the ability to learn about those groups should be available in a community college setting.
Especially when that group has had such a profound impact on the culture of San Antonio.
Frankly though, it’s not enough.
As Cynthia Cortez, professor of Mexican-American studies, said, “there is a need for knowledge — not just an identity, but knowing who we really are — the indigenous roots that are beyond just being Hispanic.”
The state has done its best throughout the 20th century to keep Mexican-Americans out of the history textbooks except for remembering the Alamo.
Missing are the civil rights leaders, the labor leaders and the extensive governmental contributions to San Antonio and South Texas.
It’s about time to tell those tales.