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REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 MACRI Symposium—our annual gathering of powerful Latino voices addressing pressing civil rights issues of our time.

This year’s symposium brings together an extraordinary lineup of Latino thought leaders—scholars, advocates, artists, and public servants—who will engage in timely conversations on representation, equity, prosperity, and the future of civil rights in America. While MACRI is rooted in history, this signature event is where history meets the present—connecting past struggles to today’s most urgent challenges.

The symposium begins with a special Opening Night fireside chat featuring Cristela Alonzo—the first Latina to create, write, and star in a primetime sitcom—in conversation with Congressman Joaquin Castro, a leading advocate for diversity in media and public life. Together, they will explore the importance of representation and storytelling in shaping opportunity and belonging.

On Saturday, our dynamic “Sábado Gigante” program includes:

An Opening Address from Carmen Perez-Jordan, an internationally recognized civil and human rights leader and Chicana feminist
A keynote by Rochelle Garza, Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, on the State of Mexican American Civil Rights
A timely fireside chat with Henry Jimenez and Nadege Souvenir on Latino Prosperity in the Age of ICE
A plenary presentation from Mark Hugo Lopez examining key demographic and social trends in the Latino community
An inspiring Closing Address by Josefina Lopez, award-winning playwright and cultural voice

This free event, emceed by local journalism legend Elaine Ayala, is designed to be educational, inspiring, and empowering—bringing our community into conversation with some of the most influential voices shaping today’s civil rights landscape.

We are honored to once again present the symposium at the Malú & Carlos Alvarez Theater at Texas Public Radio. Seating is first-come, first-served, and we encourage you to arrive early. For those who cannot attend in person, the full program will be live-streamed on MACRI’s YouTube channel.

To help us keep the symposium free and accessible, we are also offering premium registration packages that include exclusive MACRI gear.

Join us for a weekend of learning, dialogue, and inspiration—and be part of the movement to shape the future of civil rights.

We look forward to seeing you there!