Joe Bernal

Joseph Bernal (March 1, 1927 – January 25, 2025) was an American politician. He was a significant figure in the Chicano community. Bernal spent eight years in the Texas Legislature.

Early life Joseph Bernal was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 1, 1927. Bernal said that his family grew up poor, he did not think that they were poor because they did not act like they were. Bernal enjoyed watching movies at the Progreso, often standing near the entrance during "dos por uno" promotions. He enjoyed popular Hollywood movies on weekends. His family frequented the Progreso Drug Store and the Mexican restaurant next door. He also got his master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a doctorate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. The movement was most active in the 1960s and 1970s but still continues today. Today Chicanos and Latinos make up the largest minority in the United States being about 20% of the population. Bernal also had a role in getting better education rights for Latino children. Ayuntamiento is a form of government that is run by a mayor and a council. The main focus was both civil and criminal matters. This area's first ayuntamiento was not formed until 1731.