Presiliano Montoya/2

Montoya’s (third from left) activism began in 1970 to hold leaders in his Denver area community accountable. He served on a board of adjustments in his community to get Hispanics to “their dues.” He founded the American G.I. Forum with other local citizens, was a member of the Lions Club, was appointed chairman of community relations for 31 years, and helped the local police department recruit qualified officers. Montoya’s persistence led to the firing of the police chief as well as the firing of 26 officers.