Special Collections Archivist at the University of Texas at Arlington
Some of y'all know me as the Tejana Archivist, or as the archivist at the UTA Special Collections, or as "that one lady who goes on super long tangents about the importance of preserving history and all the things she sees in collections." Whether you know me through the internet, work, or by overhearing me ramble about what Dallas really used to look like, Welcome!
Much of my work focuses on BIPOC narratives and histories. Our understanding of history often comes from inaccurate and biased sources that have been in place for decades, if not centuries. My work is centered on preserving BIPOC materials and narratives, correcting pre-existing inaccuracies and incorrect information so that future generations have a more accurate image of history.
I serve as president of the Dallas Mexican-American Historical League and as a member of the Dallas County Historical Commission.
As an archivist, it is important to work with communities and keep an open dialogue with community members. Libraries, archives, and museums have a history of colonialist and biased practices. We must address these systemic issues as we work to archive history accurately, respectfully, and humanely.
Education does not stop after obtaining degrees. In this website I'll include book recommendations and resources to help us learn more about our communities and histories. Support your local libraries and bookstores!
Archival information and historical facts must be taught in order to correct historical misinformation. I strive to be ensure that the information I obtain and preserve through my work is accessible to the community through presentations, writing, projects, and personal interactions.
Archives, libraries, and museums have a long history of speaking for communities, often times leading to inaccuracies and biased narratives. I work with communities and mantain regular communication with individuals and groups in order to ensure that communities are telling their own stories. I embrace corrections and input every step of the way.
Established in 2008, the Dallas Mexican American Historical League (DMAHL) was awarded its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status on June 30, 2013 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about Mexican American history in Dallas, Texas.
The Dallas County Historical Commission, which consists of fifteen individuals appointed by the Dallas County Commissioners Court, serves as the County's primary advisory body on historic preservation matters. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the historical resources of Dallas County for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of the County's residents. It is responsible for providing the first level of review for State historical marker requests, and it typically conducts two-to-three special projects per year. Staff support is provided by the County's Planning & Development department.