85-year-old Martha and 86-year old Juan found each other while they were students at what’s now known as the University of Texas at El Paso. For both, their college years ignited a political activism that had always been part of their DNA.

“Civil Rights. Human rights,” says Martha, “they have no beginning or end. It is an evolution. A continuous process.”

Martha is a critical thinker. A Feminist. Author. Publisher. Archivist. Advocate and Activist. She rallies. She argues. She presents the data. She sees what could be. Juan is an Air Force Veteran. A Feminist. Architect. Advocate and Activist. He listens. He plans. He adjusts. He’s meticulous. He guides sustainable urban renewal. He sees what could be.

The Cotera’s contributions during the Chicano movement are too numerous to name. But you should know this. They were community activists involved in several organizations fighting against institutional racism. Through these groups, Martha and Juan fought for social, economic, and political justice. They joined the farmworker’s movement for fair treatment of migrant workers. They fought for civil rights and voter registration. Both were actively involved in La Raza Unida- a third political party that increased Chicano participation and representation in the political process.

Over the years, both worked tirelessly to fight for funding and the political will to create physical spaces that document, celebrate, and protect the cultural heritage of Mexican-American and LatinX communities, including the Mexican American Cultural Center-the MACC.

Martha and Juan continue their activism. They stand next to the visually stunning, chiseled concrete façade of the MACC. Martha reflects “In the 60’s there weren’t many institutions with physical space where Mexican-American people can come together safely. And, now we have that. It gives me hope for our future.”

She hopes the next generation of leaders will understand. Community activism will empower your mind. Visiting these cultural spaces will fuel your soul.