Gilberto V. and Minerva T. Martinez papers, 1971-1997.

The Gilberto and Minerva Martinez Papers cover the years 1971 to 1997. The collection consists of 4 boxes of materials related to Michigan and Texas and the life and political activism of Gilberto Martinez. Included are files, photographs, illustrations, newspaper clippings, articles, realia and memorabilia focused on artists, exhibits, political events, political parties - such as La Raza Unida - and business ventures in broadcasting and communications. Of particular note is the history of the flags in Series 5. These flags were those flown over the Zavala County Courthouse on the eve of the La Raza Unida Party (LRUP) defeating the incumbents. The Texas flag was later loaned out for use in Chicano civil rights marches as far north as Wisconsin.

Gilberto Martinez was an active supporter of establishing a new political party in Crystal City, Texas, the spinach capital. In a town where Chicanos were the majority, an alternate party, La Raza Unida, gained force quickly in the late 1960's and took control of town and school government in the early 1970's. Martinez also researched and wrote reports assisting community organizations in Texas and elsewhere in acquiring free cable, radio, and television broadcast time and the requirements for establishing a television and audio production facility. In Michigan, Martinez's activities included work as a newspaper publisher (Sol de Aztlan) and as a community leader and organizer helping to establish radio and television programming through Michigan State University to the mid-Michigan Latino population. He was involved not only with mentoring and counseling Latino prison population and civil rights causes, but also with running a business and supporting community groups.

Finding aid online:http://as.lib.msu.edu/repositories/2/resources/1803.