Tierra e Idioma

Abstract

Maria Adelina Isabel Emilia “Nina” Luna Otero was two years old when her father was murdered in 1883 in the New Mexico Territory. His death was mourned widely by Neuvomexicanos in the territory. They believed he had died contending for his rights, and indeed during this era the courts systematically favored Anglo challenges to Hispanic land grant claims. This attack on Hispanic land ownership and political power was an unavoidable fact of life among Hispanos in the New Mexico Territory. The need to protect their rights framed every other political issue. This chapter centers on Adelina “Nina” Luna Otero-Warren, a member of a politically powerful Hispano family and suffrage leader who later served as the chair of the National Woman’s Party.