Title: Rita J. Martinez Papers, 2020
Arrangement
The records are arranged into one box and four folders as follows:
Box 1,
Folder 1: La Cucaracha Speical Edition- "Rita J. Martinez, 65, Rest in Power" December 2020, Pueblo, Aztlan
Folder 2: Rita J. Martinez Burial Procession Pamphlet and Rita J. Martinez Biography Bookmark
Folder 3: Funeral Program- "Celebrating the Life of Rita J. Martinez"
Folder 4: Poster- !Adelante! Rita J. Martinez, 1955-2020
Abstract
The materials are in chronological order. The items include a special edition of the newspaper La Cucaracha (December 2020), memorial poster, church pamphlet, Rita J. Martinez bio book marker, and burial procession pamphlet of the prominent Chicana activist and community leader Rita J. Martinez. The items complied by the Martinez Ortega Family chronicles the legacy of Rita J. Martinez.
Administrative/Biographical History
Rita J. Martinez was a local Chicana activist in Pueblo, CO and was a founding member of the Colorado Chicano Movement Archives. Her acts as a local hero started in the 1970's when she became apart of the La Cucaracha newspaper. In her activism, she was best known for her leadership in the fight to abolish Columbus Day. She eduacted and exposed the people to Columbus's actions and was heavily involved in the organization and participation of protests against Columbus Day. Rita also was an advocate for bilinguial education and advocated against police brutality. Rita J. Martinez was recognized for her bravery and earned several awards in her life as an activist such as "Matriarca del Cinco de Mayo" by the Pueblo City Council. Not only was Rita known for her integrity, but she was known for her devoation to her spirituality, parents, siblings, children, and community. Rita's legacy will forever be respected and remembered as future Chicana movement activists, community members, and family follow in her footsteps.
Rita J. Martinez Papers
