No Name Peninsula Needs a Name

Recent articles in the Austin-American Statesman referred to an "unnamed peninsula" on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake. This has sparked a discussion about potential names for the peninsula, with a focus on honoring Hispanic community leaders and environmental activists.

Hispanic Community Heroes

The surrounding neighborhoods have a rich history, primarily attracting Latino communities since World War II. The construction of the Holly Street Power Plant in the 1950s displaced these communities and led to the creation of Lady Bird Lake.

Many Hispanic community trailblazers have already been commemorated in the city, including: Ed Rendon Sr., Gustavo "Gus" García, George Sánchez, Nash Hernandez Sr., Raul "Roy" Guerrero, Jesse E. Segovia, Rudolph "Rudy" Mendez, Genaro P. Briones, Consuelo Herrera Mendez, Richard Moya, Emma Barrientos, Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho, John Treviño, the Limón family, and Consuelo “Connie” Ruiz.

Hispanic Peninsular Candidates

Several notable Latino community leaders have not yet been memorialized, including:

• Danny Camacho, community historian and son of activist Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho
• Josefina Zamarippa, a mother of 14 who advocated for East Austin
• Johnny Limón, a community leader and helper
• Alicia García, a community organizer who worked on fixing Boggy Creek and advocating for Govalle
• Sonny Falcón, the "Fajita King" who popularized the dish
• Arnold García, a pioneering Hispanic journalist for the American-Statesman
• Paul Hernandez, a native activist who helped found the Brown Berets and neighborhood associations
• Rudy "Cisco" Cisneros, whose restaurant is a cultural and political nexus
• Joe Avila, owner of Joe's Bakery, a community gathering space
• Jorge Durán Guerra, a formidable community advocate and founder of El Azteca
• Soledad Guardiola Guajardo, a businesswoman and mother-in-law to Falcón
• Rosalio "Rabbit" Duran, associated with Chicano politics and softball leagues

Green Leaders and the Path Forward

Austin's green spaces have a long history of advocacy, dating back further than the 1970s. Many deceased advocates have been honored, including Lady Bird Johnson and Emma Long.

The article calls for endorsements of environmental and justice activists, with the goal of naming the peninsula with the help of the Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit overseeing the hike and bike route.

Send answers and suggestions to "Austin Answered" at mbarnes@statesman.com.