Rising Stars: Meet Natalie Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Martinez.

Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Two out of the four original members are sisters. The rest of us met in high school. As friends, we became the cabinets of the Black Student Union. The call for our activism all started when a video went viral of one of our BSU members going off on a white student for saying the n word. We decided to address the situation by hosting an assembly called “Words Hurt.” Its purpose was to educate the students about the history, context, and meaning of derogatory terms like the n word. In the beginning of the BLM protests, we were asked by Meeps Shows to lead a BLM protest in our city (Garden Grove) in which then became the largest protest in OC. Since then, we organized and led various protests in the OC area. Because 3/4 of us were going to graduate soon, we no longer wanted to be known as the Black Student Union of Garden Grove High School. So we decided to create our own group – the Black Leaders of Orange County (BLOC). BLOC decided to focus on the education system in which we started and are still leading the Ethnic Studies fight in GGUSD. We also have been wanting for more black representation in the county, so we are working on a BLM mural project.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has had its ups and downs. As for our protesting, we were not able to defund or abolish the police. I believe that is an obvious reason to why. As for our Ethnic Studies fight, because of our outreach and different efforts online- we were able to get the attention of the GGUSD and those part of it. However, on June 1st, 2021, the GGUSD school board had the opportunity to cast their final vote on whether or not they would like to make Ethnic Studies as a requirement in all of GGUSD schools (particularly high school) but they decided they needed more time to think. As for our Community Mural Vision, we had to shift our idea from a BLM street mural to various BLM murals on local businesses because of the lack of support from the Garden Grove city council and our personal capacity.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have had the honor to selected as one of The California Endowment’s President’s Youth Council members. At least to my peers and my community, I am known to be very outspoken and socially active. I am very proud of being able to disturb the peace in my city last summer during the BLM protests. I am very proud that I was also able to disturb the peace of GGUSD when bringing Ethnic Studies to the table. I am very proud that I have been able to build community with people of all kinds of ages, identities, and backgrounds. I feel like what sets me apart from others is my work ethic and passion for what I do. Also, I am constantly educating myself on important topics.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have had the honor to selected as one of The California Endowment’s President’s Youth Council members. At least to my peers and my community, I am known to be very outspoken and socially active. I am very proud of being able to disturb the peace in my city last summer during the BLM protests. I am very proud that I was also able to disturb the peace of GGUSD when bringing Ethnic Studies to the table. I am very proud that I have been able to build community with people of all kinds of ages, identities, and backgrounds. I feel like what sets me apart from others is my work ethic and passion for what I do. Also, I am constantly educating myself on important topics.

For the most part, I would self-educate myself by using Google. It sounds funny, but I didn’t know any better way to do it. That was until I watched an interview of the artist Abraham D. Juste also known as Da’Vinchi. He shared his life testimony about how he was able to be so educated and to the position he is at today. His story inspired me to start reading. He recommended many books like “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill in which I am currently reading. The book has taught me to stop seeing everyone as my competition but rather make myself as my only and greatest competition in life, allowing me to better and focus on myself every chance that I get.

Contact Info:

• Email: blackleadersoc@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/blackleadersoc?utm_medium=copy_link
• Other: https://instagram.com/nataliemartineez?utm_medium=copy_link