Month: August 2025

Book Banning = Erasure of history

The late Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless Me Ultima," is often banned because censors confuse Ultima, the main character who is a curandera, with being a "witch."

By DEBORAH MARTINEZ MARTINEZ, PhD Thinking of book burning brings the picture of Nazi Germany in the 1930s but one could be visualizing the burning of Bless Me, Ultima in 1981, New Mexico, or Colorado in 2010.  Or, according to Charlene Garcia Simms, retired Pueblo librarian, book burning started on this continent with the Spanish… Continue reading Book Banning = Erasure of history

Mariachi Mural dedication postponed Sat., Aug. 30

Members of El Mariachi Diamante and friends showed up the first night of painting to inspire the artist.

New date for dedication will be posted here Renown Denver artist Diego Florez-Arroyo began painting “El Mariachi Mural” on Aug. 19 and plans to have it finished by Aug. 30 in time for planned dedication ceremonies. Diego is a native of Denver where he was grew up on the Northside. Hi’s family is originally from… Continue reading Mariachi Mural dedication postponed Sat., Aug. 30

Montour walked the walk, talked the talk and left his mark

Joseph “Eddie” Montour: Sunrise Nov. 6, 1947 — Sunset Aug. 15, 2025 By JUAN ESPINOSA Renaissance man, Joseph “Eddie” Montour, 77, has moved on to the next world. To his community, he was a cultural warrior, leader of the Brown Berets, accomplished orator, artist, war veteran, teacher, counselor, and diplomate who mixed with Nobel Peace… Continue reading Montour walked the walk, talked the talk and left his mark

Work Continues on East Side Community Grocery Store

By ANA ROMERO VIGIL The Eastside Grocery store, a project of RMSER and Pueblo Food Project, released early sketches of the site plan. The site plan was released in August in their on-line newsletter. The planned site is on the old Spann school lots, encompasses land from 10th Street to 12th Street and between York… Continue reading Work Continues on East Side Community Grocery Store

Alma del Movimiento Sigue

By H.R. LLAMAS On July 11, 2025, the nonrofit organization El Movimiento Sigue (EMS), La Cucaracha’s parent company, had their grand opening at their new location The opening Ceremonia featured  traditional Mexica dancers, catered food, and was followed by a welcoming reception. Guests then were invited to tour the facility and meet the staff.   Showcasing expertly displayed pictures of  past events, legendary… Continue reading Alma del Movimiento Sigue

Most influential Chicano in early Colorado history

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Compiled by JUAN ESPINOSA As Colorado celebrates 149 years of statehood this month, it is important to remember Casimiro Barela, perhaps the most influential Chicano in the state’s early history. Barela is credited with being one of the principal authors of the Colorado Constitution, more importantly, saw to it that the document was published in… Continue reading Most influential Chicano in early Colorado history

What goes around comes around

Stories from La Cucaracha’s first edition By DEBORAH MARTINEZ MARTINEZ Nearly 50 years ago, in 1976, La Cucaracha appeared in the Pueblo/Southern Colorado community declaring the new newspaper dedicated to creating an alternative to the existing radio, television, and newspapers in Pueblo. “We feel these established information outlets are not adequately serving all of the… Continue reading What goes around comes around