Watch below: More about the Maestas Case

In March of 1914, following a two-year legal effort, District Judge Charles C. Holbrook filed in favor of Francisco Maestas and the children of the community. The only way to “destroy this feeling of discontent and bitterness which has recently grown up” between longstanding communities of Indigenous, Spanish and Mexican descent and arriving Anglo residents, Holbrook’s decision stated, “is to allow all children, so prepared, to attend the school nearest them.” 

The early equitable education victory of Maestas vs. Shone and the Board of Educationwas dormant in history for over 100 years. 

“This case got lost in time,” said retired Judge and Maestas Committee Chair Martín A. Gonzales. “I’m fifth generation in the San Luis Valley, and my family goes back much further in New Mexico.” Despite local roots and serving as the 12th Judicial District Court Judge, “I had never heard about this case,” Gonzales said.  

Gonzales said a trio of scholars brought the case to his attention when they contacted Alamosa Courts to get a copy of the 1914 case files.  

“I didn’t know how far back we had records — but lo and behold, we found the case,” said Gonzales. The scholars — Rubén Donato, Gonzalo Guzmán, and Jarrod Hanson — spent years writing about and educating the public. Soon, a committee of academics, legislators, researchers, county officials, historians, and descendants of the Maestas family formed to raise awareness of the Maestas Case. 

[Related: Academics discuss the historic school desegregation case]

Donato noted reaching equity within the local school system required the Hispano community of Alamosa to overcome the prejudice of the courts — and of regional historically biased media outlets. “The statue of the courthouse will serve as a reminder to the American people that the Hispano community in Alamosa rejected school segregation,” Donato said. “They organized. They raised money. They hired an attorney. And, they challenged unequal education.” 

“Literally, young kid’s dreams came true,” said Guzmán. “This bronze relief is dedicated to resilience, agency, and us claiming our own space … For far too long, we have experienced a history of neglect and erasure, and that is no longer the case. We now have a statue that says that we matter.” 

Watch below: An April presentation at the Capitol honored the Maestas Case

State Representative Donald Valdez, a Democrat from southern Colorado, read from the joint tribute presented at the State capitol in April. With the support of the Maestas Case Committee, State Senators Robert Rodriguez and Cleave Simpson and Representative Alex Valdez, the 1914 decision was acknowledged with a presentation on the floor and display of a traveling statue, also by Rivera. 

The artist, Sonny Rivera of New Mexico, became a sculptor later in life, Maestas Case Committee member Katie Dokson said. Rivera has created statues of historic and modern themes across what is now the American Southwest, including representing Spanish colonization of New Mexico at the Albuquerque Museum, a Santa Fe Trail sculpture, 9/11 and Korean War monuments, and a bronze of author Rudolfo Anaya in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. 

Dokson reflected on her tenure on the Committee, and the minds and hearts gathered to make the statue a reality. “I think my generation has it a little bit easier, and I think it’s the effort of these great committee members, great family members, and great community members who have been fighting in our community for over 100 years — if not hundreds of years,” Dokson said.  

“This statue demonstrates to anyone who walks through that door that we can achieve justice,” said the retired Judge Gonzales. “Good law makes good sense, and it can provide for justice and equality in this country.” 

The bronze monument, a gift of Rosalie and Leroy Martinez of Alamosa, is a now permanent installation at the Alamosa County Courthouse, 8955 Independence Way. 

Kate Perdoni is a multimedia journalist at Rocky Mountain PBS and can be reached at kateperdoni@rmpbs.org.