Blogs

by President Heidi R. Lewis
August 4, 2025

 I write this blog from Colorado Springs, CO. Stolen land—the unceded territory of the Ute Peoples, to be precise—developed with stolen and exploited labor. I do so, because as Sandra Guzmán points out, land acknowledgements “recognize and respect Indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of their lands and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.”

“We demand the right to keep and bear arms to defend our communities against racist police, as guaranteed under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.”
—The Brown Berets Ten-Point Program

“The time has come to defend the lives of our people against repression and for revolutionary war against the businessman, politician, and police.”
—The Young Lords Party Thirteen-Point Program and Platform

“These are the conditions that exist, but you don't have to accept these conditions. We have the power to change them.”
—Dolores Huerta

Alex Martinez-Sarmiento was runnin’ from you.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento laid on the street dyin’ while you cut his strap from his pants.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento ain’t mow nobody down.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento ain’t get no Burger King.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento had arms, kneecaps, legs, and elbows.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento clearly ain’t have on no vest.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento might not have been no saint.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento won’t get no trial.
Alex Martinez-Sarmiento was tried by the Colorado Springs Police Department in the streets of Colorado Springs, CO.

Alex Martinez-Sarmiento is dead.

Note: This poem was originally published on my Facebook page on July 23, 2025.

Per my strategic plan, “Reconnect, Repair, Restore: A More Thoughtful, Transparent, and Trustworthy NWSA,” these blogs are meant, in part, to give you a chance to get to know me. This one is exactly that. Until we see you in November, please continue to take good care of yourself, your loved ones, and your communities to every extent possible.