The Longoria Affair

Gr 10 Up—This film documents the World War II-era "Longoria Affair," an important civil rights battle in Mexican-American history. Felix Longoria was a fallen soldier from Three Rivers, Texas. His widow, like other Latina widows, was devastated to learn that her family was not allowed to hold a wake in the only funeral parlor in town because they were Mexican. Unlike the other outraged widows, however, Mrs. Longoria protested this racist attitude. With the help of activist Hector Garcia, Mrs. Longoria's voice was heard by Lyndon Johnson, then a senator from Texas, who arranged a burial for Longoria in Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years, Garcia formed a partnership with Johnson that led to new legislation and rights for Mexican Americans. The greatest strength of this film is its careful examination of racial dynamics in Three Rivers, Texas. Perspectives on the Longoria Affair are provided by outspoken members of the town's white and Latino communities. Viewers learn about the rich history of the town and its founding by former slave-owners in the South who brought ideas about segregation to Texas. The production quality is stellar and the story is gripping and thought-provoking. This film is ideal for high school viewers because it makes broad historical movements accessible by focusing on human stories and life in a small town.—Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College Queens, Long Island City, NY