Files
Collection
COPS/Metro
Contributor
Chen, Qiuying (Kitty); Tijerina, Maria; Zapata, Juan
Publication Date
Fall 2024
Description
Maria gave her thoughts about how the COPS/Metro is evolving in its racial dynamics, and how it now includes more ethnic groups and organizations. She commented on how the racial climate and tension in San Antonio has always been hard for minority groups, particularly on the Westside. She gave an extreme and yet real example about redlining. Maria also shared her thoughts on the decision-making process and the future of the COPS/Metro.
Biography
Maria has been an active club member in COPS/Metro since 2013. She was influenced by her mother’s involvement in COPS, who participated through church in the 1970s. It was part of what they talked about when Maria was young and away in the military. COPS/Metro to Maria is more than just an organization – it is a strong connection and promise to her mom after she passed away. She felt a sense of purpose by being in COPS/Metro. Due to the pandemic, Maria had taken a step back in the role, but still helps out any ways she can.
Interview Index
0:46 Connection with COPS/Metro, Maria’s mom and involvement
5:08 Inspiration for joining COPS/Metro
5:50 Demographic change within COPS/Metro
11:20 Racial Climate in San Antonio
15:26 Relationship with other minority groups
16:36 Inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives
17:57 Partnership with other organizations
18:59 Initiative and campaign impact in racial dynamics
19:42 Relationship with other ethnic groups
19:49 Envision of the future
20:39 Memorable experience
Keywords
Organization; COPS; Metro Alliance; church; city; pastor; San Antonio; other minority groups; west side; redlining
Size or Duration
10 pages; 21 mins, 50 secs of audio
Format
MP3, PDF
Disciplines
Oral History | Social Justice
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Chen, Qiuying, "COPS/Metro Alliance - StMU Oral Histories with Maria Tijerina" (2024). COPS/Metro. 15.
https://commons.stmarytx.edu/copsmetro/15
