‘A Daughter’s Perspective’ on Dr. Hector P. Garcia Showcased in New Book
A daughter’s perspective of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, founder of the American GI Forum and a Mexican-American civil rights leader, is how author Cecilia Garcia Akers described her new book, “The Inspiring Life of Texan Hector P. Garcia.”
Akers read from the book and signed copies at a reception and book signing Wednesday, April 13, at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Mary and Jeff Bell Library.
Hector P. Garcia (1914-1996) was a Corpus Christi physician who founded the American GI Forum in 1948 to organize veterans to fight for educational and medical benefits. The University’s Library exhibits several of his letters and photos as part of its special collections. The Garcia papers represent one of the most valuable resources in existence on the Mexican-American experience during the last half of the 20th Century.
Akers shared the inscription to her father and read from a section telling of the family’s visit to Washington, D.C. when Dr. Garcia received the Medal of Freedom.
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"The importance of education, with my father's input and the doctor's input, I was able to graduate from the University of Texas," one woman says as she waits to get her copy of "The Inspiring Life of Texan Hector P. Garcia" signed, referring to what an incredible motivator he was.
Daughter of late American GI Forum founder hosts book signing
Snakes in the mailbox. The death of a son and brother. A man's jitters before meeting the president of the United States.
These are the stories not found in any historical text on the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia.
But Cecilia Garcia Akers knew they were stories that needed to be shared with the world, especially the community her father worked tirelessly to serve.
"He's a person who's a historical significance but people don't really look at the effect on his family," Garcia Akers said. "On the personal side — his health, finances. I was able to touch on that in the book to understand the sacrifices that he made and his family made for him to do what he was able to do."
Available Today!
Today, April 4, 2016 The Inspiring Life of Texan Hector P. Garcia is published. You may go to BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, The History Press or www.drhectorpgarciafoundation.org for purchase. We appreciate your support. I know that you will enjoy the story and the beautiful photographs in my book.
Dr. Hector P. García collection goes digital
Dr. Hector P. García donated his collection of papers and memorabilia to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1990.
Now the university is going to share it with the world.
"That's the most important thing," Garcia's daughter, Cecilia Garcia Akers said. "That my father's collection will be available to the entire world. Finally people will learn about him and all his work."
The university announced this week an undetermined portion of the collection will be digitized by an outside agency. Access will be available to all. Specifics are being worked out, but it is anticipated there will be a link off the library's special collection's website and through other online resources for state libraries.