Obituary of Paul Hernandez

Our beloved Paul Hernandez, Jr., local East Austin activist, age 74, was called by the Great Spirit on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Hernandez, Sr. and Maria Olivarez Hernandez.

Paul Hernandez was born and raised in East Austin, Texas in the community that he dedicated his life to humanitarian work—always seeking truth, justice and equality for his people. He attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, St. Edwards Prep School for Boys and Johnston High School and eventually earned a GED diploma. As a young adult, Paul worked to provide for his family. In his early 20s, he worked for a ring-making company where he got a glimpse of how discriminatory practices affected the lives of his fellow workers. He experienced low wages, lack of advancement opportunities, and racist treatment of the working poor. When the Economy Furniture Company workers went on strike for better wages in the late 1960s, Paul got to know some of the organizers and they fought to create change in the workplace. Paul organized his own fellow workers at the ring-making company. For this, he was fired although the company said he was “laid off.”

These early experiences allowed Paul to develop what he called a “‘mentality of resistance’ against repression, suppression and oppression and all the ‘presses’” as he referred to these forces. Around this time, he had a bout of pneumonia and had time to reflect upon his life. While in the hospital, Father Joe Znota, considered a movement priest, brought him some books to read including “Rules for Radicals” and “Liberation Theology.” These books helped him expand his political perspectives, identify his ideology and clarify his philosophy. Paul realized that he no longer wanted to react but instead to develop the courage to take political action to fight for his community. One of the ways he accomplished this was by forming a local chapter of the Brown Berets in the early 1970s. Their motto was to defend, protect and serve their community. He also founded El Centro Chicano, a little house on San Marcos St., as the group’s base of operations. The group confronted community issues such as housing, employment, education, drug-abuse, mental health, and police brutality. Paul and Brown Berets were there to help with any issue that affected the well-being of the East Austin community.

Paul’s activism was born out of his deep compassion for how he saw Austin’s political forces negatively affect the lives of East Austin residents. He not only saw the blatant segregation, but foresaw gentrification and the city’s plans to remove the Mexican American community for the sake of so-called progress and development. He helped organize neighborhood organizations such as RANA, Rainey Neighborhood Association, East Town Lake Neighborhood Association, and later Barrio Unido, Buena Vista, and Govalle neighborhood associations so that the residents could learn and defend themselves against gentrification. By the mid-1970s, the East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association decided to fight the “boat races” that descended upon the shores of Town Lake once a year only to leave trash, noise, unsanitary practices, without regard to the residents who lived there. When the Brown Berets and allies held a peaceful demonstration against the boat races in the late 1970s, protestors were beaten by the police and arrested. The protestors were eventually acquitted of any charges.

Paul always said that the boat race issue was a misnomer because this was really a land development issue. This is why when the Austin City Council finally agreed to abolish the boat races, he helped the East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association to develop a plan to beautify the area east of IH-35 on the north shore of Town Lake. Where there was previously a dusty, neglected area cleaned up only for the boat races once a year, the neighborhood received a grant to improve it. The area grew into a green recreational park with the amenities the entire city now enjoys.

Paul is perhaps most known for his confrontation with Austin police during a KKK march on Congress Avenue in 1983. Video footage revealed a series of events that led to a clash between protestors and police. He and numerous others were beaten by the police and once again arrested with Paul being badly injured. The bloody encounter, however, brought about a coalescence with Austin’s Black community and at least another attempt at exposing police brutality.

By the 1980s, Paul tried to address community issues by establishing the East Austin Chicano Development Corporation (EACEDC). This organization consisted of a board of directors from the various neighborhood associations. Together with its complementary organization, Carnales, Inc., EACEDC, created new housing on Oak Springs Dr. near Airport Blvd. This is was the first new housing development in East Austin in over 40 years for first-time low-income homeowners. EACEDC was also successful in rolling back zoning to maintain the integrity of the Eastside, provide funding for home repairs, and much-needed sidewalks.

In direct politics, Paul worked as an aide to a state representative, coordinator for the local Jimmy Carter campaign in the 1970s and 1980s. He himself ran for state representative in the 1970s and 1980s. He himself ran for state representative in 1984. In 1989-90, he was instrumental in the successful campaign and election of his friend, Marcos de Leon to the office of Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 4.

It's true that Paul was angry but he never considered his activism as controversial. What he found controversial was politicians lying, not keeping their word, and thus hurting people in the community. Paul's vision was to develop a strong community of homeowners and stakeholders in East Austin. He wanted equity and a "seat at the table" so that people most affected by city decisions could have a voice on how to develop their area. As a Brown Beret, he exemplified their motto to "defend, protect, and serve" his people. 

Underlying his community work was Paul's commitment to the people of his beloved East Austin. He will be remembered for "bringing out the best" in someone, "for broadening perspectives," and "shaping convictions", and for always sharing his "intellect, wisdom, and energy to improve other's lives." Never one to hold back, the strength and spirit of his voice and presence will continue to speak to all who wish to hear the truth. Que viva Pablo!

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Leslie Hernandez; his children, Sandra Hernandez Sanchez and her husband, Roy, Tracy Hernandez Rodriguez and her husband, Gilbert, Veronica Hernandez Vasquez and her husband, Manny, Joe Angel Hernandez and his wife, Angelica, and James Daniel Hernandez; his siblings, Samuel Hernandez and his wife, Joanne, Linda Nates and her husband, Ken, Oscar Hernandez and his wife, Teresa, Jerome Hernandez and his wife, Carol, Ruben Hernandez, Jerry Hernandez, Chris Hernandez and his wife, Stacy, Elizabeth Baker and her husband, Steve, and Reymond Delgado; 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Everett Oliver who lovingly helped Leslie as she cared for Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Washington Avenue, PO Box 548, Montgomery, AL 36177; or LULAC #22325 Scholarships, 2216 Haskel, Austin, TX 78702. 

The family is providing public visitation from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2020.  Private Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas. 

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2020, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E. 9th St., Austin, Texas. Interment will follow Mass at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

Resitation of Holy Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  

Follow the link to Facebook Live Mission - East Side

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,
capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.
 

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask
and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus, it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.