The Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS) is proud to present Santos Vive Documentary and Discussion by alumna Alyssa Azcarate, MA.

Commemorate the 50th Memorial Anniversary of the eternal resting of a 12-year-old boy from Dallas, Santos Rodriguez. We will be showing the Santos Vive Documentary followed by a discussion with Richard Gonzales, UTA alumni, activist, and writer.

On July 24, 1973, two Dallas officers investigating the theft of $8 from a gas station vending machine detained 12-year-old Santos and his 13-year-old brother David in the neighborhood then known as Little Mexico and put them in their squad car. In an attempt to coerce a confession, Officer Darrell Cain decided to play Russian roulette with the boys and put a gun on the children's heads. The second time Cain pulled the trigger at Santos' head, the gun fired, killing Santos. Santos' last words were "I'm telling the truth." 

This tragedy in 1973 sparked a large demonstration from Dallas and nationwide. It brought attention to the racial plight of Mexican Americans. No apology was made by the Dallas Police Department until 2021. In 2021, a statue of Santos Rodrigues was unveiled at Pike Park in Dallas where Santos played as a child.

Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Carlisle Suite Schedule: Before and after the documentary, we invite you to work on a group memorial altarpiece for the Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead on November 2nd which will be featured in Brazos Park. 

In the Academy room of the Carlisle suite, we will set up half of the room with picnic blankets and half with chairs. You are welcome to bring pillows or low lawn chairs for your convenience as well as drinks and snacks. CMAS will provide beverages, popcorn, and hot dogs. (Hot dogs were Santos Rodriguez's favorite food.)

5:30 - 6:20 p.m. Check-in and work on commemoration for Día de los Muertos. 
6:20 p.m. Commentary by Alyssa Azcarate
6:35 p.m. Documentary: Santos Vive
7:50 p.m. Discussion with Richard Gonzales followed by Q&A

Organizers are giving special thanks to the director and producer, Byron Hunter, for providing access to the documentary. Byron is the son of former UTA faculty member, the belated Dr. Charles A. Hunter of the Sociology department, who frequently discussed the tragedy of Santos Rodriguez. Byron Hunter is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and television producer. Part of the proceeds go towards Santo's brother and the SMU's Santos Rodriguez Endowed Scholarship. https://www.santosvive.com/

Those who need to speak about concerns or accessibilities, contact cmas@uta.edu or 817-272-2900.