Today is the birthday of Chicana activist Martha P. Cotera. I have to admit that I didn’t know anything about the Chicana feminist, educator, and librarian before I noticed that her birthday was listed in my planner. So I decided to do some research and I’m glad I did. Cotera, born in Chihuahua, Mexico and educated primarily in the U.S. was a founding member of the Raza Unida Party in Texas. Her work, including two books, Diosa y Hembra and Chicana Feminist (which I look forward to reading), has centered on the history and role of women inside Chicano culture, including activism. While the core of this work was written in the 1970’s, it is very relevant today as we look at the space given to women within many activist movements.

I personally struggle with the word feminist, especially given how it has been used by so many, including white women, as a way to further push intersecting issues that Latin@s face under the rug. So I am especially fascinated by how that word is adopted by others. Check out this clip from Chicana por Mi Raza, where Cotera talks specifically about that word and how it was received.

Martha P. Cotera – teaser from Chicana por mi Raza on Vimeo.

Have you heard about Marta Cotera? What are your thoughts on what she says about feminism and women in activist spaces?