HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
With Hispanic Heritage month in full swing, the city of San Marcos recognized a notable Hispanic figure in the community by proclaiming Sept. 17, 2024 as Dr. Daniel Rojo Recognition Day. San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson called upon residents to “recognize and appreciate the contributions Dr. Daniel Rojo has made to the city of San Marcos and its residents all these years.”
According to the proclamation, Dr. Daniel Rojo was the first Hispanic physician in San Marcos, working ceaselessly for 48 years, from 1930 to 1978, and impacting countless lives.
“His compassion and commitment continue to inspire. His contribu- tions stand as a testament to his legacy of healing and care,” the proclamation stated. “Dr. Daniel Rojo, a pioneering figure in the annals of Mexican-American medical history, was born in Huichapan, Hidalgo, Mexico, in the year 1904. His indelible legacy as a healer and community leader would resonate far beyond his birthplace.”
Dr. Daniel Rojo
Rojo pursued his medical education at Escuela Nacional de Medicina, an esteemed institution in Mexico City.
“Dr. Rojo emerged in 1928 adorned with the mantle of a healer. His early professional forays found him navigating the bustling streets of Mexico City, where he served as a medical examiner for the police department and extended his healing touch to the esteemed artists' union,” the proclamation stated. “The year 1929 marked a pivotal juncture in Dr. Rojo's odyssey as he embarked on a transformative journey across borders. Dr. Rojo's arrival heralded a new dawn of healthcare accessibility for the marginalized citizens of San Marcos and its surrounding community.”
His clinic was established in the downtown square in the 1930s.
“Dr. Rojo etched his name in the annals of history as the first Hispanic doctor to grace the region. His office, perched atop 117 N. Guadalupe Street, served as a bastion of healing and hope, where surgeries were performed, maladies assuaged and the miracle of birth celebrated,” the proclamation stated. “In an era fraught with economic turmoil and societal upheaval, Dr. Rojo's unwavering commitment to medical egalitarianism shone forth as a beacon of compassion. Bartering his services for the humble offerings of farm produce, he ensured that no soul was deprived of the solace of medical care. Fondly dubbed 'El Doctor Mexicano' by his grateful patrons.”
Dr. Rojos contributions extended far beyond the medical realm.
“He emerged as a stalwart advocate for social justice and educational equity. Founding member of La Sociedad Mutualista Cuauhtemoc in 1942, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at uplifting the Mexican-American community. His endeavors to combat discrimination in the educational sphere and mitigate the scourge of dysentery during the 1950s stand testament to his unwavering commitment to societal betterment,” the proclamation stated. “Dr. Daniel Rojo's four decades of tireless service to the San Marcos community, stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and resilience. As he bid adieu to this mortal coil in March 1978, he left behind a legacy etched in the hearts and minds of generations to come-a legacy of healing, hope and humanity.”
