5 things you didn’t know about Raoul A Cortez

Tribute to Raoul A Cortez

Pioneer of Mexican-American Media

Founder of KCOR and Civil Rights Advocate

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, Google paid tribute today, October 17, to Raoul A Cortez, a pioneer of Mexican-American media.

Through a ‘doodle,’ which is a temporary alteration of the logo, this famous search page celebrates the life of this executive, broadcaster, and activist.

Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Raoul is mainly remembered for founding KCOR, the first Spanish-language radio station in the United States in 1946.

Here are five things we’re sure you didn’t know about this fascinating figure.

Raoul A Cortez’s Arrival in the US

Raoul A Cortez / Photo: Wikipedia

As mentioned earlier, Raoul A Cortez was born in Veracruz on October 17, 1905. He would have turned 118 years old today.

According to information from Independent en español, he arrived in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States when he was very young.

Years later, he began working in the media, particularly at the La Prensa newspaper, based in Texas.

No one would have imagined that in the 1930s and 1940s, this reporter would have a talent agency that represented several Latino artists.

When Did He Buy His First Radio Station?

Photo: Shutterstock

On the same page, it was revealed that Raoul A Cortez began purchasing airtime on KMAC Radio station.

His primary goal was to produce songs in Spanish, as well as comedy programs and commercial spots. He was a true visionary.

Raoul’s life would change completely in 1946 when he acquired his radio station named La Voz Mexicana.

The slogan was «La Voz Mexicana / Mexicano Americana.» The station’s success was such that the concept was extended to television.

Raoul A Cortez, Civil Rights Advocate

Raoul A Cortez / Photo: Wikipedia

As if that weren’t enough, Raoul A Cortez was a defender of civil rights. One example of this is that he oversaw a case that was not without controversy.

This was the case of ‘Delgado vs. Bastrop Independent School District,’ which put an end to the segregation of Mexican-American students in Texas public schools.

It is said that this would not have been possible without the media influence Raoul already had at the time.

Eight years ago, in 2015, the executive, in addition to his TV and radio programs, was included in the «American Enterprise» exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum.

Full Support for Migrants

Photo: Shutterstock

Among the five things you probably didn’t know about Raoul A Cortez, we couldn’t overlook the support he provided to migrants.

On the other hand, Raoul served two terms as president of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

During both periods, he had meetings with both the U.S. President and the President of Mexico to discuss immigration reform.

He also helped develop the Bracero Program, which allowed Mexican agricultural workers to migrate back and forth to the United States for short periods.

He Died at the Age of 66

Raoul A Cortez / Photo: Shutterstock

As reported by KSAT.com, Raoul A Cortez passed away on December 17, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas, in the United States. He was 66 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Genoveva Valdés Cortez, as well as his children, Raoul Cortez Jr, Rosamaría Cortez (Toscano), and Irma Cortez (Nicolás).

It is worth noting that in the city that welcomed him, San Antonio, the south side of the library was dedicated in his honor.

A few days before the end of the National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, it is important to remember the work these figures did.