Henry Guerra - Radio, TV and Newspaper pioneer

Henry Guerra is one of San Antonio's most respected Hispanic journalists. He left his mark on television, radio and newspapering. However, he was widely known and appreciated for his radio column "Henry Guerra's San Antonio" which aired daily on WOAI. Here is some brief information on him.

Who is Henry Guerra? At the age of 21, he was the first Mexican-American TV newscaster when television came to San Antonio, Texas in 1949. His epic WOAI radio series, "The Thirteen Days of the Alamo," is an outgrowth of his exhaustive study of San Antonio, South Texas and Mexican history. His book "Henry Guerra's San Antonio" combines photos and historical vignettes from his radio series on old San Antonio.

Henry Guerra, died in 2001. A San Antonio native, graduated from Central Catholic High School and attended St. Mary’s University. In 1939, he was hired by WOAI Radio as the first Mexican-American announcer to work for a major English-language broadcaster, and later became the first Mexican-American television announcer, on WOAI-TV (now KMOL.) Guerra served in the military in World War II. He was also development director for St. Mary’s University and international department liaison for Hemisfair ’68.

His crisp, clear voice pierced the radio waves with authority. In flawless English and just with a slight Spanish accent, Guerra eloquently told the story of the influence of the Mexicano in his beloved San Antonio.

Assignment for Student: See if any of your family and "older" relatives remember Henry Guerra. He is part of the legacy of Hispanic journalism in Texas. Should we remember his contributions? How has he been honored in San Antonio? Is this enough?