Raul Aguirre Receives Highest Honor  from Mexican Government

Tucson businessman Raul Aguirre was honored with the highest award the Mexican government gives to a person abroad for his work promoting progress, empowerment and opportunities for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the United States.

The “Ohtli” was given to Aguirre by Mexican Consul Ricardo Pineda Albarran during ceremonies celebrating Mexican Independence Day in September at the AVA Amphitheater on the Pasqua Yaqui Reservation.

Aguirre is the president & CEO of REA Media Group, the advertising, marketing and public relations firm he formed in 1993 after nearly a decade as a producer, host and anchor for the Spanish-language television network Univision.

The award derives its name from the word “Ohtli,” which translates to “the road” in Nahuatl, the language spoken by the ancient Aztecs in central Mexico. According to the news release issued by the Mexican consulate, ancient Nahuatl poets would ask, “What is the road that your heart must take?” The answer always was, “Melahuac Ohtli,” meaning the road of righteousness.

“As an active leader in the Latino community, Mr. Aguirre remains a visionary leader, defying the stereotypes and continuing to redefine the image of Hispanics in America through the development of a new generation of Latino leaders,” the release said. “Mr. Aguirre is recognized as a national advocate for the inclusion of minorities in general market broadcasting as well as a pioneer of bilingual radio and television.”

In accepting the award, Aguirre said, “I’m grateful to our community for the many years of support that have always been given to my activities and projects. I gratefully accept (the award) on behalf of our community and all the leaders and activists who have come before me to make our communities and our nations stronger.”