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Help us continue the mission to preserve our
Raza history.Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. 
La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley is a California Public Benefit Corporation (#3974355)and is an IRS § 501(c) (3) Public Charity Non-Profit Organization. Federal ID Tax # 81-3429366. 

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La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley is an avenue for the preservation of social, business, political, and civil rights contributions of La Raza community from the mid 1800s to present.

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LRHS Video Interviews

on the RJ MARTINEZ Channel

African Latino Festival Bayricua & Puerto Rican Story 3/29/2025 Special

African Latino Festival Bayricua & Puerto Rican Story 3/29/2025 Special

African Latino Festival Bayricua & Puerto Rican Story 3/29/2025 Special Chat GTP: Puerto Ricans Santa Clara County Hawaii Music 4.7.2025 Brief History With Analysis And Sources Of Puerto Ricans In Santa Clara County Spreckles Sugar Hawaii ChatGPT said: 1. Background: Puerto Ricans and Hawaii • In the early 1900s, following the U.S. annexation of Puerto Rico (1898) and Hawaii (1898), labor recruiters began bringing Puerto Ricans to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. • Between 1900 and 1901, around 5,000 Puerto Ricans migrated to Hawaii. Many were fleeing the devastation of hurricanes and poverty after the Spanish-American War. • Upon arrival, they faced racism and exploitation, and were often given the hardest labor at the lowest wages. They were also placed below Portuguese and Japanese laborers in the plantation hierarchy. 2. Move to the Mainland: Spreckels Sugar • Disillusioned by plantation conditions, many Puerto Ricans moved from Hawaii to California, particularly from 1907–1930. • A significant number ended up working for Spreckels Sugar Company, founded by Claus Spreckels, with operations in California's Salinas Valley, Santa Clara County, and other agricultural hubs. • Puerto Rican workers were drawn to California for higher wages, better working conditions, and to escape the racism of Hawaii’s plantation system. 3. Santa Clara County: Labor and Community • In Santa Clara County, Puerto Rican migrants took up agricultural labor, especially in sugar beet fields and processing plants. • They became part of a multiethnic labor force including Mexicans, Filipinos, and Japanese workers. • The Puerto Rican community often maintained tight-knit ties through language, music, Catholic faith, and social clubs. • Some second-generation Puerto Ricans moved into other industries, contributing to the diverse working-class fabric of the region. ________________________________________ Analysis • Colonial Legacy: The story of Puerto Rican migration from Hawaii to California illustrates the colonial status of Puerto Rico. As U.S. nationals, Puerto Ricans could migrate freely, but they were still marginalized and exploited. • Labor Hierarchies: Both in Hawaii and in California, Puerto Ricans were subject to racialized labor structures. Their movement to California was a response to this oppression and a pursuit of self-determination. • Hidden Histories: Puerto Rican contributions to California agriculture—especially in companies like Spreckels Sugar—are often overshadowed by the focus on Mexican and Filipino labor. Yet their role was significant in shaping labor dynamics and local culture. • Interethnic Solidarity: In places like Santa Clara, Puerto Ricans sometimes joined broader labor movements and alliances with other marginalized groups, paving the way for unionization and collective action. ________________________________________ Academic & Historical Works • “Puerto Ricans in the United States: A Contemporary Portrait” by Edna Acosta-Belén and Carlos E. Santiago • “From Bomba to Hip-Hop: Puerto Rican Culture and Latino Identity” by Juan Flores • “Sugar and Power in the Caribbean: The Plantation Economy and Labor Migration” by Manuel Moreno Fraginals • “Hawaii's Sugar Strike of 1946” (provides background on plantation labor dynamics) Archival & Local Sources • California Historical Society – archival collections on agricultural labor • Spreckels Sugar Company records (often housed in university or state archives) • Santa Clara County Historical & Genealogical Society • University of Hawaii at Manoa Library – collections on Puerto Ricans in Hawaii Videographer; Ramon J. Martinez PhD. Video link https://youtu.be/o-ESDNPMZwQ Filename 6 BAYRICUA PUERTO RICAN STORY 4MIN
Afro Latino Festival SJ: My Father Was a Tuskegee Airman 3/29/2025 Special

Afro Latino Festival SJ: My Father Was a Tuskegee Airman 3/29/2025 Special

Afro Latino Festival SJ: My Father Was a Tuskegee Airman 3/29/2025 Special ChatGPT Brief History of the Tuskegee Airmen The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, these pilots and support personnel served with distinction during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Forces, primarily in the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group. Key Points: • They flew more than 15,000 sorties in Europe and North Africa during WWII. • Known for their "Red Tails"—red-painted tails on their P-51 Mustangs. • Their success challenged prevailing racial stereotypes and laid the groundwork for the desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948 (Executive Order 9981 by President Truman). • The group included pilots, mechanics, instructors, nurses, and other support staff, all essential to their mission. ________________________________________ Analysis: Legacy and Social Impact • Military Integration: The Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for full racial integration of the U.S. military. • Civil Rights Movement: Their example of excellence in the face of systemic racism provided inspiration for post-war civil rights activism. • Representation and Visibility: The Airmen became enduring symbols of African American patriotism and capability during an era of intense segregation. • Historical Memory: Their story gained renewed recognition in later decades, especially after the release of documentaries, books, and films like The Tuskegee Airmen (1995). ________________________________________ California and Santa Clara County Connections While Tuskegee Airmen were primarily trained in Alabama, many settled in California after the war, and some had direct ties to Santa Clara County: Notable Connections: 1. Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson and Lt. Col. George Hardy, two Tuskegee pilots, were long-time California residents who gave public lectures and interviews about their service. 2. Retired Airman William Terry lived in San Jose and worked in local aerospace industries post-war. 3. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP and local museums (e.g., the San Jose African American Heritage House) have highlighted Tuskegee Airmen in past exhibits. 4. Moffett Field (just north of Santa Clara County) hosted events honoring Tuskegee veterans. 5. Local high schools and colleges in the Bay Area have invited Airmen to speak, reinforcing educational ties. ________________________________________ Sources Primary Sources: • Oral Histories: Interviews with Airmen via the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. • Military Records: National Archives WWII service records. • Photographs and Flight Logs: From the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum. Secondary Sources: • Books: o The Tuskegee Airmen by Philip Handleman o Freedom Flyers by J. Todd Moye • Documentaries/Films: o The Tuskegee Airmen (HBO, 1995) o Red Tails (2012) • Museums: o Tuskegee Airmen National Museum o Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum o California African American Museum Videographer: Ramon J. Martinez PhD. Video link https://youtu.be/VyRnvOhkS_8 Filename 5.6 MY FATHER TUSKEGEE AIRMAN 4MIN (2) (1).
Afro Latino Festival SJ The Music 3/29/2025 Part 4/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ The Music 3/29/2025 Part 4/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ The Music 3/29/2025 Part 4/4 Held on Saturday, 4/26/2025, the 1st. Annual Afro Latino Festival at San Jose History Park was sponsored by park associates, African American Heritage House and La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley to increase awareness of their mutual cultural history. Our African Latino Rhythm Roots Have Made Our Difficult Lives Richer. Without This Music - Kill Me Now! Here Is A Link To A 2009 Ramon J Martinez Video Of The Master Himself, Jesse Chuy Varela Telling Us The Story - • Chuy Varela in San Jose CA: The Afric... Chuy Varela In San Jose Ca: The African Presence In Mexican Popular Music 6/15/2009 Without African Latino Rhythm There Would Have Been No... Pachucos, Starlight Ballroom, Balconades, Majestic And Rainbow Ballrooms, Sweets Ballroom Oakland, Promoter Chuy Carlos, Xavier Cugat, Mambo, Samba, Cha Cha, Merengue, KKUP On Saturdays, Jose Montes De Oca, Lupe Lujan, Too Loose Jesus Orosco, Dr. Loco , Rudy Madrid And The Cruisers, Ben Cadena, Ed Robledo And Los Guys, Noe Montoya, Tona La Negra, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Ray Barreto, Mongo Santamaria, Benny More, Vince Guaraldi, Maria Grever, Consuelo Velasquez, Tibales, Bongo, Guido, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker Latin Jazz Tunes, Anacaona, Cal Jader, Perez Prado And His Singers Las Hermanas Montoya From San Jose, Machito, Nueyorican Salsa, Carribean Salsa, Sonora Santanera, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Carmen Miranda, Chano Pozo And The Cuban Conga Drum, Santana, Malo, Gloria Estefan, Bossa Nova, Jose Feliciano, Herbie Mann, George Shearing, Pete, Coke And Shiela, Escovedo, Poncho Sanchez, Omara Portunda, Ismael Rivera, Virginia Lopez, Bob Marley, Ibrahim Ferrer, Willy Bobo, Frankie Ruiz, Ry Cooder, Quincy Jones, Pachuco Boogie, Lalo Guerrero, Don Toastie, Marijuana Boogie, Richie Valens, El Chicano, Tower Of Power, Malo, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Cano, Ruben Blades, Edie Gorme, Vikki Carr, Viva Tirado, Gato Barbieri, Libertad Lamarque, Joe Batan, and sorry, so many others missing here... please send more names... Videographer: Ramon J Martinez PhD Video link https://youtu.be/IExnRtWIAwE Filename 4.2 MAMBO INTRO (1). (1).m2ts
Afro Latino Festival SJ Jesus Orosco Book Interview 3/29/2025 Part 3/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ Jesus Orosco Book Interview 3/29/2025 Part 3/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ Jesus Orosco Book Interview 3/29/2025 Part 3/4 Held on Saturday, 4/26/2025, the 1st. Annual Afro Latino Festival at San Jose History Park was sponsored by park associates, African American Heritage House and La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley to increase awareness of their mutual cultural history. Our African Latino Rhythm Roots Have Made Our Difficult Lives Richer. Without This Music - Kill Me Now! Here Is A Link To A 2009 Ramon J Martinez Video Of The Master Himself, Jesse Chuy Varela Telling Us The Story - • Chuy Varela in San Jose CA: The Afric... Chuy Varela In San Jose Ca: The African Presence In Mexican Popular Music 6/15/2009 Without African Latino Rhythm There Would Have Been No... Pachucos, Starlight Ballroom, Balconades, Majestic And Rainbow Ballrooms, Sweets Ballroom Oakland, Promoter Chuy Carlos, Xavier Cugat, Mambo, Samba, Cha Cha, Merengue, KKUP On Saturdays, Jose Montes De Oca, Lupe Lujan, Too Loose Jesus Orosco, Dr. Loco , Rudy Madrid And The Cruisers, Ben Cadena, Ed Robledo And Los Guys, Noe Montoya, Tona La Negra, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Ray Barreto, Mongo Santamaria, Benny More, Vince Guaraldi, Maria Grever, Consuelo Velasquez, Tibales, Bongo, Guido, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker Latin Jazz Tunes, Anacaona, Cal Jader, Perez Prado And His Singers Las Hermanas Montoya From San Jose, Machito, Nueyorican Salsa, Carribean Salsa, Sonora Santanera, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Carmen Miranda, Chano Pozo And The Cuban Conga Drum, Santana, Malo, Gloria Estefan, Bossa Nova, Jose Feliciano, Herbie Mann, George Shearing, Pete, Coke And Shiela, Escovedo, Poncho Sanchez, Omara Portunda, Ismael Rivera, Virginia Lopez, Bob Marley, Ibrahim Ferrer, Willy Bobo, Frankie Ruiz, Ry Cooder, Quincy Jones, Pachuco Boogie, Lalo Guerrero, Don Toastie, Marijuana Boogie, Richie Valens, El Chicano, Tower Of Power, Malo, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Cano, Ruben Blades, Edie Gorme, Vikki Carr, Viva Tirado, Gato Barbieri, Libertad Lamarque, Joe Batan, and sorry, so many others missing here... please send more names... Videographer: Ramon J Martinez PhD Video link https://youtu.be/9D_S6V3W5o0 Filename 5 JESUS OROSCO ONLY INTERVIEW (1) (2
Afro Latino Festival SJ Merch Vendors 3/29/2025 Part 3/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ Merch Vendors 3/29/2025 Part 3/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ Merch Vendors 3/29/2025 Part 3/4 Held on Saturday, 4/26/2025, the 1st. Annual Afro Latino Festival at San Jose History Park was sponsored by park associates, African American Heritage House and La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley to increase awareness of their mutual cultural history. Our African Latino Rhythm Roots Have Made Our Difficult Lives Richer. Without This Music - Kill Me Now! Here Is A Link To A 2009 Ramon J Martinez Video Of The Master Himself, Jesse Chuy Varela Telling Us The Story - • Chuy Varela in San Jose CA: The Afric... Chuy Varela In San Jose Ca: The African Presence In Mexican Popular Music 6/15/2009 Without African Latino Rhythm There Would Have Been No... Pachucos, Starlight Ballroom, Balconades, Majestic And Rainbow Ballrooms, Sweets Ballroom Oakland, Promoter Chuy Carlos, Xavier Cugat, Mambo, Samba, Cha Cha, Merengue, KKUP On Saturdays, Jose Montes De Oca, Lupe Lujan, Too Loose Jesus Orosco, Dr. Loco , Rudy Madrid And The Cruisers, Ben Cadena, Ed Robledo And Los Guys, Noe Montoya, Tona La Negra, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Ray Barreto, Mongo Santamaria, Benny More, Vince Guaraldi, Maria Grever, Consuelo Velasquez, Tibales, Bongo, Guido, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker Latin Jazz Tunes, Anacaona, Cal Jader, Perez Prado And His Singers Las Hermanas Montoya From San Jose, Machito, Nueyorican Salsa, Carribean Salsa, Sonora Santanera, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Carmen Miranda, Chano Pozo And The Cuban Conga Drum, Santana, Malo, Gloria Estefan, Bossa Nova, Jose Feliciano, Herbie Mann, George Shearing, Pete, Coke And Shiela, Escovedo, Poncho Sanchez, Omara Portunda, Ismael Rivera, Virginia Lopez, Bob Marley, Ibrahim Ferrer, Willy Bobo, Frankie Ruiz, Ry Cooder, Quincy Jones, Pachuco Boogie, Lalo Guerrero, Don Toastie, Marijuana Boogie, Richie Valens, El Chicano, Tower Of Power, Malo, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Cano, Ruben Blades, Edie Gorme, Vikki Carr, Viva Tirado, Gato Barbieri, Libertad Lamarque, Joe Batan, and sorry, so many others missing here... please send more names... Videographer: Ramon J Martinez PhD Video link https://youtu.be/C0BHcysfLqs Filename 2. FIRST MERCH AIR MUSK TRUCK 12 MIN
Afro Latino Festival SJ African American  Heritage House Tour 3/29/2025 Part 2/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ African American Heritage House Tour 3/29/2025 Part 2/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ African American Heritage House Tour 3/29/2025 Part 2/4 Held on Saturday, 4/26/2025, the 1st. Annual Afro Latino Festival at San Jose History Park was sponsored by park associates, African American Heritage House and La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley to increase awareness of their mutual cultural history. Our African Latino Rhythm Roots Have Made Our Difficult Lives Richer. Without This Music - Kill Me Now! Here Is A Link To A 2009 Ramon J Martinez Video Of The Master Himself, Jesse Chuy Varela Telling Us The Story - • Chuy Varela in San Jose CA: The Afric... Chuy Varela In San Jose Ca: The African Presence In Mexican Popular Music 6/15/2009 Without African Latino Rhythm There Would Have Been No... Pachucos, Starlight Ballroom, Balconades, Majestic And Rainbow Ballrooms, Sweets Ballroom Oakland, Promoter Chuy Carlos, Xavier Cugat, Mambo, Samba, Cha Cha, Merengue, KKUP On Saturdays, Jose Montes De Oca, Lupe Lujan, Too Loose Jesus Orosco, Dr. Loco , Rudy Madrid And The Cruisers, Ben Cadena, Ed Robledo And Los Guys, Noe Montoya, Tona La Negra, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Ray Barreto, Mongo Santamaria, Benny More, Vince Guaraldi, Maria Grever, Consuelo Velasquez, Tibales, Bongo, Guido, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker Latin Jazz Tunes, Anacaona, Cal Jader, Perez Prado And His Singers Las Hermanas Montoya From San Jose, Machito, Nueyorican Salsa, Carribean Salsa, Sonora Santanera, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Carmen Miranda, Chano Pozo And The Cuban Conga Drum, Santana, Malo, Gloria Estefan, Bossa Nova, Jose Feliciano, Herbie Mann, George Shearing, Pete, Coke And Shiela, Escovedo, Poncho Sanchez, Omara Portunda, Ismael Rivera, Virginia Lopez, Bob Marley, Ibrahim Ferrer, Willy Bobo, Frankie Ruiz, Ry Cooder, Quincy Jones, Pachuco Boogie, Lalo Guerrero, Don Toastie, Marijuana Boogie, Richie Valens, El Chicano, Tower Of Power, Malo, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Cano, Ruben Blades, Edie Gorme, Vikki Carr, Viva Tirado, Gato Barbieri, Libertad Lamarque, Joe Batan, and sorry, so many others missing here... please send more names... Videographer: Ramon J Martinez PhD Video link https://youtu.be/NHsb8WCNEl0 Filename 3 CHIECHI AAHH TOUR JESUS ONLY 14
Afro Latino Festival SJ History Park 4/26/2025 Part 1/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ History Park 4/26/2025 Part 1/4

Afro Latino Festival SJ History Park 4/26/2025 Part 1/4 Held on Saturday, 4/26/2025, the 1st. Annual Afro Latino Festival at San Jose History Park was sponsored by park associates, African American Heritage House and La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley to increase awareness of their mutual cultural history. Our African Latino Rythm Roots Have Made Our Difficult Lives Richer. Without This Music - Kill Me Now! Here Is A Link To A 2009 Ramon J Martinez Video Of The Master Himself, Jesse Chuy Varela Telling Us The Story - https://youtu.be/Y-UEuA__qOI?si=Gale-tPenfbFJlOr Chuy Varela In San Jose Ca: The African Presence In Mexican Popular Music 6/15/2009 Without African Latino Rhythm There Would Have Been No... Pachucos, Starlight Ballroom, Balconades, Majestic And Rainbow Ballrooms, Sweets Ballroom Oakland, Promoter Chuy Carlos, Xavier Cugat, Mambo, Samba, Cha Cha, Merengue, KKUP On Saturdays, Jose Montes De Oca, Lupe Lujan, Too Loose Jesus Orosco, Dr. Loco , Rudy Madrid And The Cruisers, Ben Cadena, Ed Robledo And Los Guys, Noe Montoya, Tona La Negra, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Ray Barreto, Mongo Santamaria, Benny More, Vince Guaraldi, Maria Grever, Consuelo Velasquez, Tibales, Bongo, Guido, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker Latin Jazz Tunes, Anacaona, Cal Jader, Perez Prado And His Singers Las Hermanas Montoya From San Jose, Machito, Nueyorican Salsa, Carribean Salsa, Sonora Santanera, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Carmen Miranda, Chano Pozo And The Cuban Conga Drum, Santana, Malo, Gloria Estefan, Bossa Nova, Jose Feliciano, Herbie Mann, George Shearing, Pete, Coke And Shiela, Escovedo, Poncho Sanchez, Omara Portunda, Ismael Rivera, Virginia Lopez, Bob Marley, Ibrahim Ferrer, Willy Bobo, Frankie Ruiz, Ry Cooder, Quincy Jones, Pachuco Boogie, Lalo Guerrero, Don Toastie, Marijuana Boogie, Richie Valens, El Chicano, Tower Of Power, Malo, Cheo Feliciano, Eddie Cano, Ruben Blades, Edie Gorme, Vikki Carr, Viva Tirado, Gato Barbieri, Libertad Lamarque, Joe Batan, and sorry, so many others missing here... please send more names... Videographer: Ramon J Martinez PhD Video link https://youtu.be/S_aWKgitblY Filename WHEELCHAIR 115927 (1) (1).m2ts

Our Mission

Preserving la raza contributions

We collect and digitize articles, photographs, taped videos and oral histories of individuals and families who have long contributed to the prosperity of our region.

Availability of this information to academic researchers and others who are interested in knowing more about our Raza community

provides data about our community heroes, many of whom have never received civic recognition for their efforts in making

Santa Clara Valley what it is today.

Your Impact

Continued support to meet our goals

Your contributions help fund our projects with community-based affiliates like History San Jose, individuals, schools and other groups. 

Our list of sponsors have allowed us to move forward with our major objectives and we are counting on you for your support.

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Downtown San José

Mexican Historic Sites Tour

A walk through Mexican historic Downtown San José sponsored by San José City Councilmember Honorable Raul Peralez

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like the pyramids of Mesoamerica, is built upon layers. Each generation influenced by the one that preceded it.

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