Honoring Marta García

On June 1st, we lost Marta García, a clear and lucid voice for the Puerto Rican and Latinx mission of the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center. Born in 1945 in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Marta was a committed activist, and journalist, who always used her considerable intellectual powers, creativity and passion to imbue her work full of liberating intention and a sense of service.

Marta was central to the founding of The Clemente Center, and with her passing we have lost a caring voice for the Puerto Rican and Latinx mission of our work and the work of independent artists all over. Still, we are inspired by her, and vow to continue our mission with compassion, energy, and care.

A graduate of the CUNY system, Marta studied Spanish literature in Sevilla and later worked at El Diario/La Prensa; she was fundamental in the movement towards bringing more visibility to Latinx life in the media both here in New York City and at a national level. Her close collaboration with the late Angelo Falcón is of special import in this regard.

Many knew Marta as that fiery, activist voice that did not hesitate to remind people what The Clemente was all about. She was assertive, funny, biting, tough, caring, and collaborative in a spirit of uncompromising solidarity. Her mentorship to many will be missed.

Co-founder of LaTea Theater (along with her husband, the recently deceased Nelson Landrieu, among others), she served in The Clemente’s board for a few terms, and was still serving as co-director of LaTea at the time of her passing; her warmth, generosity, commitment and determined spirit shall serve as an inspiration for us all, and her parting is a reminder of the need for an intergenerational commitment to amplify the justice and equity struggle of communities of color. ⁣⁣

Gracias, Marta.

Rest in Power.