Rita J. Martinez Papers, 2020 | Colorado State University-Pueblo Library

By Carmen Williams

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Collection Overview

Title: Rita J. Martinez Papers, 2020

Predominant Dates:2020

Primary Creator: Martinez Ortega Family

Extent: 1.0 Boxes. More info below.

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

Date Acquired: 12/10/2020

Subjects: Chicano Movement -- Colorado., Chicano movement -- Pueblo, Colo., Cinco de Mayo (Mexican holiday), Columbus Day Protest- Denver, CO, Hispanic Americans -- Civil Rights -- Colorado, Mexican Americans -- Civil Rights - Colorado, Pueblo (Colo.) -- History -- 20th century

Languages: Spanish;Castilian, English

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.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains 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.

Collection Historical Note

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.

Biographical Note

Family of Rita J. Martinez.

Subject/Index Terms

Chicano Movement -- Colorado.
Chicano movement -- Pueblo, Colo.
Cinco de Mayo (Mexican holiday)
Columbus Day Protest- Denver, CO
Hispanic Americans -- Civil Rights -- Colorado
Mexican Americans -- Civil Rights - Colorado
Pueblo (Colo.) -- History -- 20th century

Administrative Information

Repository: Colorado State University-Pueblo Library

Alternate Extent Statement: 1.0 Box

Access Restrictions: There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Use Restrictions: Not all of the material in the collection is in the public domain. Researchers are responsible for addressing copyright issues.

Acquisition Source: Martinez Orteaga Family

Acquisition Method: The material was acquired by donation from the Martinez Ortega Family in memory of Rita J. Martinez, after her passing.

Related Materials: Jose E. esteban Ortega Papers, Juan Federico "Freddie Freak" Miguel Arguello Trujillo Chicano Movement Collection, Garcia Family Papers

Preferred Citation: Rita J. Martinez Papers, Colorado State University-Pueblo Library, University Archives and Special Collections.

Processing Information: Student Intern Carmen Williams and University Archivist Thomas Sommer processed the collection and organized items into one box and four folders. Student Intern Carmen Williams created the finding aid of spring semester 2022.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[All]

Box 1

Folder 1: La Cucaracha Special 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 Prgram- "Celebrating the Life of Rita J. Martinez"
Folder 4: Poster- "ADELANTE!" Rita J. Marintez, 1955-2020