The cool crisp Denver air blew across my skin, sending chills down my body.

The beautiful mountains lined the backdrop like a scene from a movie. As my eyes

scanned the streets, I saw all the people who had come to support this movement. I

knew this was going to be a day like no other. This was only the beginning of what was

going to be later known as the Chicano movement.

Growing up as a Mexican American in Denver, Colorado, during times of

inequality helped shape my desire to change the way people were treated.

I knew what it meant to work hard for things from a young age as I worked to help my

family on a farm. My mind was constantly flooded with thoughts like, will my desire be enough to make a difference? I knew I wanted to make a change, but I had no idea I would be a part of such a large organization. Who could I influence? After all, I was just a poor farm boy with a big dream.

I had witnessed the up and coming youth and their lack of knowledge of all the sacrifices made by our ancestors. I then realized that these youth were lost without direction and purpose. These youth didn’t understand all the possibilities that they could have, the opportunities that were waiting for them. This troubled me and gave me a reason to fight for a cause to improve the lives of the next generation. As I pondered how I could influence the youth, writing poetry came to my mind. I decided to write a poem expressing the tension that was felt by many Mexican-Americans at that time. I was amazed at the response I received from this and other poems. Large crowds of people were gathering to hear me speak and to fight for the same cause. We were in this together, and the message was being spread. I was beginning to see the influence I was having. This gave me more reason to keep fighting for my people.

I realized that many schools had lower expectations for the Chicano students that were attending, along with a curriculum that didn’t reflect their heritage. This was unacceptable and gave me a stronger desire to make a change. I gathered like-minded people, and together we formed the Crusade for Justice, which was later known as the Chicano movement. I became the leading figure in helping to organize student walkouts in schools, along with my help in organizing national youth conferences. I loved these experiences as they helped foster a stronger appreciation for the Chicano culture in our youth. From these opportunities, the Chicano people were getting a better name for themselves along with a better education. I stood first hand and watched people stand up for what they wanted and felt pride in knowing that I had helped influence them to fight for their rights.

Now, as I stand in the street, the cool breeze that was once blowing across my face hits me again, sending a surge of memories and gratitude for all that has changed and become of this movement. I stand in awe as I watch the streets flooded with opportunities for people of all backgrounds and feel blessed to have been given a voice in any of this.