The purpose of the South Texas Human Rights Center is no less than the preservation of life. One important project the Center works on continuously, especially now, is emergency water. In just the last few days, in this sweltering July, local ranchers have yet again stolen emergency water barrels placed by the staff of the Center in an attempt to prevent migrant deaths. The people who steal these water barrels would deny a dying human a drink of water. In tragic circumstances, when a migrant has been lost and is believed dead, the South Texas Human Rights Center attempts to find what might remain and return it to loved ones. We are going to hear about the current circumstances from Eddie Canales, who is serving as the director of the Center and has done this vital work for more than a decade.

Eduardo “Eddie” Canales, Director of the South Texas Human Rights Center in Falfurrias, TX, has a remarkable journey that began in a rural migrant border town. Growing up in poverty, he didn’t have access to basic amenities like indoor bathrooms until 6th grade. Despite these challenges, he worked various jobs, including farm work, shoe shining, and factory positions.

After attending junior college, Eddie pursued higher education at the University of Houston, where he became involved with MAYO and the La Raza Unida Party, sparking his passion for political activism and organizing. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to serving social and economic justice movements, contributing to organizations like Congreso de Aztlan, Texas Farmworkers, Longshoremen, SEIU’s School District Campaign, and Centro Aztlan in Houston, where he served as Director for a decade.

Eddie’s activism has spanned multiple states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Eastern Washington, Montana, Idaho, Texas, and Wyoming. He has tirelessly fought for economic and labor justice while advocating against police brutality.