There has never been a book written about the history of Mexican American in Greeley using their own voices, stories, and perspectives until now. Mexican Americans, whether recent immigrants or generational natives, have been pivotal in the cultivation and prosperity of Greeley, Colorado. From agriculture and meatpacking to construction and oil and gas, their labor has been the foundation of Greeley and Weld County’s past, present, and future.
The contributions of this vibrant group often remain unrecognized and overshadowed by more prominent historical narratives. The Mexican American History Project of Greeley was formed to fill this gap in recorded history. The committee recognized it was vital to tell stories of Mexican American intellectual, economic, and cultural impacts in their own voices and through their lived experiences.
Our History Our Voice, documents and celebrates the contributions of local Mexican Americans and their ancestors. It represents a significant milestone, as it’s the first of its kind for the Mexican, Mexican American, and Latinos in Greeley and Weld County. The book presents the perspectives of forty-four local individuals. Their voices recount experiences from the post-World War I era to Generation Z.
Each chapter of Our History Our Voice examines topic areas such as immigration, employment, culture, religion, education, civic engagement, local government, and social justice. With the help of local and state educators, the committee developed a six-week unit of study, a curriculum map, and educational materials to accompany the book.
The committee hopes the stories within the book spark further conversation while inspiring present and future generations of Mexican Americans and the broader public to celebrate the contributions this community has and will continue to provide in Greeley, Weld County and beyond.
