Mi Carnal Frank: A Family Memoir and Biography of U.S. Congressman Frank Mariano Tejeda Jr. 1945-1997

by Juan Tejeda

"Mi Carnal Frank/A Family Memoir and Biography of U.S. Congressman Frank Mariano Tejeda Jr., 1945-1997," written by his brother, Juan Tejeda, tells the story of the Tejeda family and Frank's life from birth, to a premature death at age 51. Utilizing interviews with family and close friends, plus 127 photos, documents and newspaper articles, this book chronicles Frank's early years being raised by poor Mexicano parents on the southside of San Antonio; through his Marine Corps service and highly decorated combat duty in Vietnam; college education; and 20-year career as a politician and elected public servant, first as a Texas State Representative, then a Texas Senator and U.S. Congressman. During these twenty years, Frank was a fierce advocate for social, educational, economic and environmental justice, veteran's benefits, the rights of the poor and his Mexican American community, and the people he represented. This is also a story of how Frank developed and was the leader of a grassroots political alliance of elected officials known as the "Southside Coalition" (who some called a "political machine," while others called it the "Brown Mafia"), and in the process became one of the most powerful Mexican American/Chicano politicians that San Antonio and the State of Texas have ever known.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Bruce Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juan Tejeda has done a fine job documenting his brother Frank’s life and career.
This book is an easy read, and a straight-forward account of Frank’s history. Juan has done public service for students of San Antonio politics and history. No other book published to date covers much of this history, which includes the story of the Southside Coalition, and Frank’s role in driving an investigation to the Texas Supreme Court.
The book includes details about the closure of Kelly AFB, a key moment in the history of S. A.
and the Southside.
Frank’s independence and refusal to be pushed around are striking. A must-read for those who want to understand San Antonio politics.

[Lone Star Literary Life]

Reviewed by Si Dunn for Lone Star Literary Life.

[Ally Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read for learning in-depth about Frank Tejeda Jr. and the legacy he left behind in San Antonio. I can’t wait to share this book with my high school students!