Paul Hernandez

[2] [3] In the early 1990s a brain hemorrhage and protracted recovery sidelined Hernandez, but he remained committed to East Austin.

In his early 20s Hernandez helped support his family by working for a ring-making company where he saw how discriminatory practices impacted workers.

When the local Economy Furniture Company workers went on strike in the late 1960s, Hernandez learned from the organizers how they sought to change their workplace.

[3] [5] [4] Hernandez helped found the local chapter of the Brown Berets, who pledged to support, protect and defend the Mexican American community.

By 1997, El Concilio was the only substantial East Austin political organization with roots in the 1960s-70s radical confrontational style of the Brown Berets.

The East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association, with leaders Paul Hernandez and Edward Rendon Sr. organized noisy, but peaceful protests calling for an end to the races.

A widely published photograph shows Hernandez surrounded by plainclothes and uniformed law enforcement wielding billy clubs.

Afterward a police officer was suspended for using excessive force and the Austin City Council abolished the drag boat races.

Police beat Hernandez repeatedly over the head with billy clubs, fracturing his wrist as he held his arms up to protect himself.

The event led to renewed efforts by Austin's Black community to bring attention to police brutality.