Our History Our Voice: The Mexican American History Project of Greeley - Paperback

by Lorretta Chavez (Author), Sarris (Author), Andrés Gonzales Guerrero (Author)

In Greeley, Mexican Americans range from recent immigrants to those who lived before this land became part of the United States. There is a saying: We didn't cross the border; the border crossed us. Mexican Americans have called Greeley home for generations and proudly embrace each new generation. Their ancestors were here, cultivating the land, building our neighborhoods, nourishing our families, and driving the industries that shaped Greeley into today's thriving community. From agriculture and meatpacking to construction and oil and gas, their labor has been the foundation of Greeley's prosperity for generations. A vital truth that has too often gone unrecognized.

There has never been a book written about the history of Mexican Americans in Greeley, Colorado, using their voices, stories, and perspectives until now. The long-anticipated publication amplifies the lived experiences of Mexican Americans in Greeley from 1920 to today - covering over a century of culture, labor, and legacy. Told through the voices of forty-four narrators, Our History Our Voice is a cultural archive. The book is split into two parts: one offering historical research from Greeley's past and the other featuring oral histories collected from its residents. Topics include immigration, labor in key industries like agriculture and oil and gas, education, civic engagement, and social justice. The authors hope to educate and inspire readers to embrace, celebrate, and share the rich tapestry of their own cultures with others.