Programs & Events

Wed Apr 6, 2022
12:00 - 1:00 pm

Friends of History Wednesday Lecture Series

Miguel Trujillo: New Mexico's Unknown Civil Rights Hero

When New Mexico became a state in 1912, its constitution denied Indians the right to vote.  In 1948, Miguel Trujillo, a WWII Marine veteran from Laguna, sued New Mexico and obtained the right to vote for Indians of the state.  This presentation tells his story. It encourages an understanding of the background for denying Indians the right to vote in 1912 and encourages people to think beyond the Three Peoples myth—Indians, Hispanics, and Anglos living in harmony—to the reality of the struggle that began with the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and continues today.

Gordon Bronitsky grew up in Albuquerque and is trained as an archeologist (BA UNM 1971; PhD University of Arizona 1977).  For the last 28 years, he has been the founder/president of Bronitsky and Associates, and IndigeNOW!, his non-profit production arm. This program works with Indigenous artists and performers, both traditional and contemporary, to bring their voices and messages to the world.

You can learn more about his work at indigenow.com

Lecture Link:

https://friendsofhistorynm.org/event/miguel-trujillo-new-mexicos-unknown-civil-rights-hero/

Photo Credit: Miguel Trujillo and Daughter, 1943. Associated Press file photo.

Donations to the Friends of History program welcome.