New Mexic Historic Women Marker

GPS: 35.187742, -105.060735

The front side of the marker reads :

"Mala Leger-Bilingual Education Pioneer
1928 - 2006"

"At four Manuelita de Atocha (Mela) Luccero Leger read Spanish language newspapers to her blind grandfather in Colonias. Althiough New Mexico's constitution protects Spanish-speaking students, school children were often punished for speaking Spanish. As a pioneer in bilingual education, Mela changed that by founding one of the nation's first bilingual multi-cultural schools, developing curriculums, training teachers and helping write the historic 1973 Bilingual Education Act."

The back of the marker describes the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative:

"New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative"

"The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of New Mexico Historic Women's Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women's contributions to New Mexico history on the state's Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that women's diverse histories will be remembered and told , and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 legislature funded the project."

Photo(s): 2015