Eliu Rivera Papers

Eliu Rivera was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, and moved to New Jersey when he was 14 years old. Mr. Rivera was involved with the Puertorriqueños Asociados for Community Organization (P.A.C.O.) since it’s founding and later served as Executive Director. He is a former deputy mayor of the City of Jersey City and served as a member of the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders, representing the fourth district. He’s also founder and president of the Liberty Academy Community Charter School, president of the Puerto Rican Lutheran Housing Corporation, and vice president of the Paulus Hook Community Housing Corporation. In addition to these organizations, he’s been instrumental in organizing community groups such as the Hispanic Merchants, Tenant Organizations, Roberto Clemente Little League, Adult Leagues, Boys and Girls Scout Troops, and Voter Registration Drives. The bulk of this collection is photographs and newspaper clippings. A large portion of the photographic collection pertains to P.A.C.O. and their activities. Some of the photographs and other materials document Mr. Rivera’s personal life and involvement in the community groups he helped organize. The entire collection covers subject areas such as family and community life, organizations and leaders, politics, health and community welfare, and major historical events. An interview of Eliu Rivera is available in the Latino Oral History Collection: Latino Life Stories.