Numerous supporters of the license plate legislation testified before State House and Senate committees in person and via Zoom. Pictured above are (top row) Neva Martinez Ortega, Dr. Victoria Obregon, (middle row) Denise Torrez, Jose Ortega, Shirley Romero Otero, Dr. Jonathan Alcantar, (lower right) Deborah Espinosa. Each advocate testified about their own experiences with the Chicano Movement and the obstacles they had overcome to succeed in their careers. Several spoke about the value of Chicano youth programs and how they have changed our state’s history and influenced their own professional development. Collectively the group talked about how a Chicana/o License Plate could document the role Latinos have played in Colorado history and predicted that more emphasis on youth programs would encourage future generations of leaders.
Category: Movement Art
Move Mountains is more than a name
By SHIRLEY ROMERO OTERO As the Executive Director of the Move Mountains Youth Project Inc., I have been a supporter of the Chicano License Plate Initiative since its inception. Many of us testified before the Colorado State Legislature several times in support of this bill, which passed with bipartisan support. The fact that purchase of… Continue reading Move Mountains is more than a name
Proud to play a small role in the Movement
By St. Sen. JULIE GONZALES Over the past few weeks since Trump won re-election, I have listened to friends and family members speaking in hushed tones about the unsettling feeling of politics happening to us, instead of with us. In these complicated times, our society has become increasingly individualized, leading to greater isolation. How… Continue reading Proud to play a small role in the Movement
Chicana/o License Plate journey began with 2nd grade teacher
How EMS became involved In the 2004-2005 school year, a fateful relationship began. Mrs. Denise Torrez, second grade teacher at Eva R. Baca Elementary School in Pueblo, CO, welcomed a group of rambunctious second graders into her Dogpatch classroom. Among the scholars in that group was a wide-eyed, mischievous, yet intelligent little… Continue reading Chicana/o License Plate journey began with 2nd grade teacher
Plate designed by distinguished group of Colorado artists
The artistic design of the Chicana/o Special License Plate was facilitated in a community-driven process initiated by a group of artists convened at renowned Chicano muralist Leo Tanguma’s house. The group of artists met on February 4th, 2023 for over 8 hours to discuss relevant histories, symbols, and representations relevant to the design of… Continue reading Plate designed by distinguished group of Colorado artists
CHICANA/O LICENSE PLATE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY
“Help build our people with us” By TIM HERNANDEZ When you’re a State Representative, you are given only five laws you can try to pass in a 120 day legislative session. That’s the rule: five bills, no more. During my term, I ran bills on gun violence prevention, immigrant rights, strengthening unions, cultural rights… Continue reading CHICANA/O LICENSE PLATE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY
Chicano Pride Ride Arizona to benefit homeless
By Roberto Cordova PHOENIX — In its fourth year, Chicano Pride Ride Arizona is getting ready to roll on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to organizer Debbie Ortega. “This is a poker run, with food, entertainment, vendors, and special guest the Cali Girl Riders,” she said. “All proceeds go towards… Continue reading Chicano Pride Ride Arizona to benefit homeless
Dia De Los Muertos
PLAZA VERDE PARK, NOV. 2, 2024 At the beginning of November, Chicanx families come together to welcome ancestors back home for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Dia de los Muertos originates from Aztec culture and has survived despite colonization and religious conquerers. Historically, Dia de los Muertos was once a month-long celebration,… Continue reading Dia De Los Muertos
Indigenous spirit of protests disrupts Columbus celebration
Chants of ‘Take it down!’ Vs. John Phillips Sousa By JUAN ESPINOSA The Indigenous spirit of Turtle Island visited Pueblo’s Mesa Junction on what was formerly known as Columbus Day this month. The spirit came in the form of a peaceful demonstration that disrupted a formal tribute to Columbus that has continued despite Columbus Day… Continue reading Indigenous spirit of protests disrupts Columbus celebration
Somos Agua honors the Water Protectors through silk murals
Book Review By Deborah Martinez Martinez Somos Agua is a treasure for everyone who is or wants to be a Water Protector. Author and artist Belinda Garcia, aka Manuko G. Garcia, began as a tribute to the Water Protectors at Sanding Rock, ND. In whole, the honoring included paintings on silk executed by several Colorado… Continue reading Somos Agua honors the Water Protectors through silk murals