“I was a very controversial person. Many men didn’t want any ladies involved in LULAC.”

Born Alice Dickerson Barrera in Laredo, Texas, Montemayor is best known for her work with the League of United Latin American Citizens, (LULAC). During the 1930s women in LULAC maintained a low profile, joining the organization as wives or relatives of male members. But Montemayor was prominent in that she wrote articles for the national newsletter highlighting civic duty and women’s issues. She was elected second national vice president general in 1936, director general of Junior LULAC, the children’s club which did not separate boys and girls, and served as associate editor of LULAC News. In her article “Women’s Opportunity in LULAC” she defined “women’s place” to be “in that position where she can do the most for the furthering of her fellow women.” Among early Tejana entrepreneurs, Montemayor also worked as the head of the fashion department for Montgomery Ward, and owned a small dress shop. In later life she became a visual folk artist and was featured in Folk Art in Texas and in Stories to Treasure.

LINKS
Latinas in the United States The Handbook of Texas Online Las Tejanas: 300 Years of History Intercultural Development Research Association Images