Cantù, Mario, 1903-1961

Mario Cantú was a well-known restaurant owner and civil rights activist in San Antonio, Tex. He was born Mauro Casiano Cantú, Jr. in San Antonio in 1937 and spent most of his life and career there. Cantú managed restaurants in San Antonio, Paris, and New Jersey. He was involved with many Mexican American civil rights organizations, and helped to plan and finance various Chicano activities and community events. He was arrested and convicted in 1976 for employing illegal aliens at his restaurant. In the late 1970's, Cantú became involved with the Partido Proletario Unido de America, an underground peasant movement in Mexico led by Florencio "Güero" Medrano Mederos. Mario Cantú died in San Antonio on November 9, 2000 at the age of 63.