Chicano Movement

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we thought it’d be helpful to touch on an important topic in Hispanic and Latino culture in America: The Chicano Movement. The start of this movement coincides with the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and 70s, which was spurred on by the Vietnam War. The political climate of the time allowed for all of these fights- together and separate from each other- to work towards their own aspects of rights.

“Chicano” is a word used to identify a person of Mexican descent who was born in the United States- however, it is not a default identity. It is an identity that people of Mexican descent in the 60s claimed while fighting towards land reclamation, equal wages/better labor laws, and education reform. It was formerly a racial slur but was reclaimed by the movement.

The movement itself was led predominantly by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who worked together to establish the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. This organization was created on behalf of labor laws and bettering living and working conditions for Mexican immigrants working in the fields. Cesar Chavez, much like Dolores Huerta, grew up with the cause and devoted his life to fighting for the rights of migrant workers. He also aimed to raise pay for migrant workers like himself. Dolores Huerta had skills relating to organization and lobbying that helped propel the movement forward. She utilized boycotts to help give power to workers who had no economic or systemic power. Her organization powers allowed the movement to function as a force for change. Change was required for this movement more than a half century ago, however the system is still flawed as it was back then, and Dolores Huerta herself is still working in activism. She is currently working as an activist and if you would like to learn more about her or contribute to her work you can visit her website here: https://doloreshuerta.org/.

A saying that was often associated with the movement was “Si se puede” which translates to “Yes we can”. A sect of the movement that most clearly represents this idea is the Brown Berets. They were created in 1967 and founded by David Sanchez and Carlos Montes. The Brown Berets are often described as an offshoot of the Black Panther Movement with their militancy, strong opposition to police brutality, and fight against racism. They also advocated for housing, job opportunities, and educational equality.

There were many aspects of the Chicano Movement. Some sects fought for the end of politcal and educational discrimination. Others fought for the end of the Vietnam War because of the loss of Latino lives. And some merely expressed their Chicano identities through art, music and literature. We implore you to seek out that knowledge and learn about the rich history of the Chicano Movement.