Los Seis de Boulder

Los Seis were active in the UMAS (United Mexican American Students) at the University of Colorado Boulder. At the time [1967-1979][3], Colorado was one of fewer than 10 U.S. states in which Chicanos (mid-20th century political/cultural term used by some Mexican Americans) were initiating the original MECha groups. As of 2012, there are over 500 chapters.[4] Although these groups originally concentrated more on education issues, this led to participation in political campaigns and protests against widespread issues such as police brutality and the U.S. war in Southeast Asia.[5] Outside of Colorado, the Brown Berets, a Chicano youth group which began in California, took on a more militant and nationalistic ideology.[6] At the University of Colorado Boulder today, UMAS and MEChA have combined into a single coalition simply referred to as "UMAS y MEXA".[7]

The University of Maryland's Global Terrorism Database has information on other Boulder, Colorado bombings in 1974 suspected to involve the same "Chicano activists," and that "The explosions came during a time of racial tensions in Colorado, especially in Denver and Boulder, where at least 10 bombings had occurred within the last year, primarily directed at public buildings such as schools, police stations, and courthouses."[8] 2 months prior to the deaths of "Los Seis", in March 1974 a Boulder police station was bombed. There were no casualties, though $8,000 worth of damage was caused.[8] Minutes later on the same day, the courthouse was bombed.[9]

Los Seis de Boulder Memorial Sculpture on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.

Documentary films and live performances have featured the subject, including 2014's Symbols of Resistance[13] and a 2017 entirely dedicated to the subject, "Neva Romero: Jamas Olvidados" by director Nicole Esquibel.[14]

On May 31, 2014, Su Teatro, located in Denver's Art District on Sante Fe, which on its website claims it "has established a national reputation for homegrown productions that speak to the history and experience of Chicanos.",[15] hosted a 40th anniversary event commemorating the death of Los Seis.[2]

In 2019 a University of Colorado student created an art exhibit on campus dedicated to Los Seis de Boulder.[16] CU students have protested a campus decision not to make the art exhibit permanent.[17] On September 16, 2020, CU officials announced that the sculpture will be made permanent, both at its location in front of Temporary Building 1 as well as part of its library's Special Collections, Archives and Preservation department. The creator of the sculpture, Jasmine Baetz, described the decision as a good first step toward addressing equity issues facing Chicano, Latino and students of color at CU.[18]

• "Colorado Voices: Los Seis de Boulder". Public Broadcasting Service (Video). July 14, 2020. Retrieved 21 December 2020. Decades after six young Chicano activists were killed in two car bombings in Boulder, a permanent reminder of what happened is now in place.