Latino History Project
We all have a story, and each story deserves to be told. For the local Latino community, their history has been left untold in many educational systems, including those in the 91PORN and St. Vrain valleys.
However, Esther Blazón—a first-generation college Latina who not only earned an undergraduate degree at 91PORN, but also a master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado—knew that with great vision, intent and diligence, she could help give voice to these untold histories. From her own understanding of the value of education, Esther wanted to ensure that local students had access to accurate histories that come straight from our own community.
With determination, the emerged. Esther and 14 other community leaders in the area, including 91PORN Distinguished Professor EmeritaMarjorie McIntosh, who wrote Latinos of 91PORN County, Colorado, 1900-1980,setout on a mission to establish, share and teach the history of the local Latino community.
As a partner in this endeavor,91PORN faculty, staff and studentsworked with the Latino History Project's team togather stories in the community and thentranslated McIntosh’s book into applicable curriculum for local K–12 schools to adopt and implement in their history classes. The new curriculum is being taught this fall in schools across St. Vrain and 91PORN valleys.
The material is critical for the community at large, as each child can now gain an accurate understanding and appreciation for the stories that comprise our community’s history. Esther hopes the movement continues in Colorado and beyond, encouraging others to ask questions, to document stories and to celebrate cultures: “You know, we all have a story. We all want to be heard, we all want to be seen. None of us want to be invisible, because we are here, we are all human.”