Letter From the Publisher

Letter From the Publisher A. Govea

Why We Are Still Here?

We are preparing to begin our 12th year of publishing, both in print and online. In our early years, we published under the name Nuestra Voz – Our Voice. Pero nunca faltaba quien, al recibir la publicación, me dijera: “Sorry, I don’t read Spanish.” Then I had to explain that the publication was primarily in English.

At the same time, many advertisers assumed it was a Spanish‑only publication. Some were even puzzled when I explained that most local Latinos are bilingual—and in fact, many prefer to read in English. Their next question was often: “Then why don’t I just advertise in an English publication?”

A fair question. My response was usually: “Have you ever heard of Reies Tijerina, Corky Gonzales, or José Ángel Gutiérrez?” Most people would say no. Then I’d ask, “Do you know who the fourth horseman of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement is?” Ninety‑nine percent of the time, the answer was the same: “I don’t know,” with hands raised in confusion.

And that was my opening to explain why our publication matters. Our readers deserve the opportunity to learn about their own history and the people who shaped it. We highlight the leaders, the movements, and the stories that are too often left out of mainstream media. We also recognize the individuals and organizations who continue working every day to uplift our community.

We provide information and resources in both English and Spanish. In this issue, for example, you’ll find guidance on what to do if confronted by ICE enforcement, along with important voting information for Dallas and Tarrant counties.

As for why we are still here—when so many similar publications have gone fully digital or closed altogether, especially during or after the pandemic—the answer is simple. For us, it was never about how much money we could make from advertisers. It has always been about preserving our history, serving our community, and ensuring that at least one independent voice in local publishing keeps the Latino community at the center of its mission.

Hola Texas also publishes twice weekly online at www.holatexas.us. Visit us to subscribe—your support truly helps. And if you are able to donate any amount to help us continue our work, you can do so there as well.