Book Review: New Mexico Civil Rights and Justice, Tears in the Valley

Author Ray John de Aragon

In his latest book, New Mexico historian, author, artist, actor, and activist Ray John de Aragon details the injustices New Mexicans endured from the earliest days of the United States’ claim on this territory after the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1858, to almost the present day.

Although the residents were assured under the terms of the Treaty their rights to the land they occupied under land grants would not be challenged, many lost their property and livelihoods from corrupt or ignorant courts that didn’t value the local culture or laws, or outright theft.

Although the title of the book is somewhat dry, prepare to shed tears as you read about the village wedding interrupted by gunslingers hired to kill the families to make way for a rancher to increase his holdings.

You might also need to brace yourself for the story of wives and children of striking miners who were brutalized and then jailed for walking the picket lines when the men struck for improved working and living conditions. Yes, the children were thrown into jail with their mothers.

De Aragon also tells of the people who worked to bring about change: Padre Don Antonio Jose Martinez, Reis Lopez Tijerina, Delores Huerta, Ralph Arellanes, and many more. It’s a timely book, and there is still much work to be done.

Author Ray John de Aragon grew up in Northern New Mexico, hearing about his Hispanic heritage, history, culture, and traditions. With that as inspiration, he has more than twenty published books, including New Mexico Civil Rights and Justice, Tears in the Valley. The book is available from Arcadia Press and other online book sellers.