The collection is divided into four series consisting of writings, research materials, biographical information and audio recordings. La Academia de la Nueva Raza, (1966-1988) consists of documents, correspondence, photographs, articles and research files of La Academia. "Administrative Documents" consists of developmental history reports, bylaws, proposals, and correspondence between La Academia and various local, state, and federal organizations. "Photographs" include hundreds of images of La Academia events in cities across Texas and New Mexico. Photographs document meetings, plays, and social events sponsored by Academia associates. "Writings" by Academia members and allies consists of poetry, short stories, essays, and speeches related to the mission and cause of La Academia. Authors include Esteban Arellano, Armando Rendon, Reíes López Tijerina, E.A. Tony Mares, Padre Luis Jaramillo, and Tomás Atencio. This subseries includes Academia publications El Cuaderno and La Madrugada. Rio Grande Institute, (1982-1993) contains artist files, slides and photographs, and administrative information on the RGI. "Administrative Documents" contains bylaws, funding proposals, organizational history, and correspondence between RGI and the New Mexico Arts Division. The "Art" subseries include images and exhibition information for artists Cesar Martinez, Alberto Barros, and Miguel Gandert as well as art slides and sketches by unidentified artists. Resources, (1966-1986), includes publications, research documents, and newsletters in the areas of art, Chicano issues, education, land and migrant issues, Latin America, and theology. The "Art" subseries consists of artist profiles and exhibition flyers as well as Chicana/o art essays, editorials, and documents from the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, Texas. "Chicano Issues" contains articles, newsletters, and unpublished material about Chicana/o civil rights initiatives such as the Brown Berets, Teatro Chicano, The Southwest Council of La Raza, and The Council for Community Action. "Education" consists of writings about the severe inequity in predominately Mexican American schools and the need for developing new models for teaching Chicana/o youth. "Land Issues" and "Migrant Issues" both contain articles and newsletters about the labor and migrant issues experienced by people of the Southwest. "Latin America" contains essays and articles about social and civil rights issues in Cuba, Argentina, and Chile. "Theology" consists of articles, research documents, and essays on the impact of religion and spirituality in the goals of social justice and liberation. Audio (1971-1994) documents the oral history projects of La Academia and the RGI. Interviews are with community members, Academia members, and native Nuevo Mexicanos. Most of the interviews were conducted by Tomás Atencio, Consuelo Pacheco, and Alejandro López. Several interviews were conducted by students at New Mexico Highlands University. Also included are recordings of particular meetings, seminars, workshops, and events.
