Voces Season 4 Episode 3 Porvenir, Texas
- October 4, 2019
In season 4, episode 3 of Voces, titled "Porvenir, Texas," viewers are taken on a journey to a small Texas town that experienced a tragic and senseless act of violence. The episode examines the history of Porvenir, which was founded in the late 1800s by Mexican-American families and was a thriving community until January 28, 1918.
On that night, a group of Texas Rangers and U.S. Army soldiers raided the town, rounding up and torturing members of the community. Ultimately, 15 men between the ages of 16 and 72 were taken out of town and killed. Their bodies were left in a shallow grave, where they were discovered by a young boy several days later.
The episode speaks with descendants of the victims, as well as historians and researchers who have worked to uncover the truth about what happened in Porvenir. They discuss the ways in which the brutal act was swept under the rug for decades and how it was only in recent years that the full extent of what happened was acknowledged.
Viewers are taken on a deep dive into the history of the region, including the tensions between Mexican-American and white communities in Texas at the time and the ways in which racism and discrimination were prevalent throughout society. The episode also examines the ways in which this history continues to impact the present day, with the descendants of the victims still grappling with the legacy of what happened and fighting for recognition and justice.
Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with historical documents, photographs, and interviews with experts that help to piece together the events of that tragic night in Porvenir. The story is told with care and sensitivity, highlighting the bravery of the victims and the importance of understanding the past in order to move forward.
Overall, "Porvenir, Texas" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Voces that sheds light on a dark moment in American history. Through personal stories and expert analysis, viewers are given a deeper understanding of the impact of racism and violence on communities and the importance of acknowledging and documenting these events for the sake of future generations.