Mexico Honors Teacher and Union Leader Enrique Ávila

In Mexico City, teachers and leaders of the National Coordination of Education Workers, CNTE, honored the late Enrique Ávila Carrillo. The group, along with researchers and family, held a posthumous tribute recognizing his academic and union work. Ávila Carrillo, who died in April, spent decades as a historian, teacher, and activist.

Leaders described him as a man of integrity who fostered dialogue despite differing viewpoints. Journalist Luis Hernández Navarro highlighted Ávila Carrillo’s critical view of Mexican history and his support for the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, specifically their secondary school project in Oventic, Chiapas. Ávila Carrillo was involved in leftist politics from his youth, including participation in the 1968 student movement and imprisonment following protests.

His wife, Luz María Rojas Tapia, noted he authored over 40 books while tirelessly traveling for his work. Researchers from multiple universities acknowledged his commitment to education and social justice. Though his work impacted generations of teachers, a full accounting of his published research remains ongoing.