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Marla Ramirez’s ‘Banished Citizens’ explores historic expulsion of Mexican Americans. Will it happen again?
By Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times at Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
LOS ANGELES — With her fingers, Guadalupe Espinoza lightly traced the lettering engraved on a slanted monument wedged alongside the courtyard at the LA Plaza de Culturas y Artes. The memorial was installed in 2012 as a way to acknowledge…
Why this matters in The Waco
The story of Guadalupe Espinoza and the memorial at the LA Plaza de Culturas y Artes resonates deeply in Waco , where the city's own Mexican American community has a rich and complex history. As Marla Ramirez's work 'Banished Citizens' explores the historic expulsion of Mexican Americans, locals may wonder about the relevance of this dark period to contemporary Waco. The city's demographics have shifted significantly over the years, with a growing Hispanic population that now plays a vital role in the local economy and cultural landscape. As Waco continues to evolve, it is crucial to acknowledge and learn from the past, recognizing the contributions and challenges faced by its Mexican American residents. By examining this history, Waco can work towards a more inclusive and equitable community, one that values the diversity that has come to define the city.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LOS ANGELES — With her fingers, Guadalupe Espinoza lightly traced the lettering engraved on a slanted monument wedged alongside the courtyard at the LA Plaza de Culturas y Artes. The memorial was installed in 2012 as a way to acknowledge…
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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