THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Martha Cotera

“Racism, classism and sexism will disappear when we accept differences – and if we continue to resist loudly and clearly all racist, classist and sexist efforts on the part of other persons to enslave us.” Martha P. Cotera, The Chicana Feminist 1977

One of the pioneers of the Latin American feminist movement in the United States. Early member of the Texas Women’s Political Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus. Founder of Austin (TX),  Chicana Research and Learning Center. One of six women featured in a documentary titled “Las Mujeres de la Caucus Chicana,” which recounts the experiences of Chicana participants in the 1977 National Women’s Conference. Co-founded Texans for Educational Advancement for Mexican Americans (TEAMS), which established a network of sympathetic educators across the state. Founder of Information Systems Development (ISD), a company involved in publishing and consulting. 

Interviewed by VFA member, Suzanne Tuckey, April 2022

Photo 1. Martha Cotera speaking at the Houston Salutes the Hispanic Women event, 1977. Photo 2. Martha Cotera speaking in 2015.