The Chicano Movement Chicano Beginnings = Mexican-American cultural emergence = Political movement and farm worker reform = social protest movment/educational opportunity Today: = Chicano Studies programs = La Raza Advocacy group = Literature / Media

Chicano/Mexican American Cultural Emergence Reies López Tijerina: land grant movement, New Mexico Fought to convince the Federal Gov. to honor the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) – return lands taken by treaty to local population. Affirmation of cultural identity(Aztec myths such as that of Aztlan = mythical Chicano homeland).

Chicano/Mexican American Civil Rights Movement Reies López Tijerina Founder: Alianza Federal de Pueblos Libres/Federal Alliance of Land Grants NM Wanted: to reclaim ownership of land b/c Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848 guaranteed Mexican citizens their land. Tried to use the courts of NM but ruling was: US Congress has the authority to deal with land rights based on international treaties.

Chicano/Aztlan Homeland Aztlan Mythical homeland of the Aztecs According to Aztecs came from northern Mexico (what today is SW USA) Establishes a link between Mexican Americans of SW and ancient 'homeland' Establishes a history for Mexican Americans as distinct from Mexicans & Americans.

Chicano Farm Workers Union Cesar Chavez organized farm workers in the central valley of California (San Joaquin Valley) farm worker self determination – right to organize a union and elect representatives Accomplished by strikes, boycotts, and pilgrimages, Important: commitment to nonviolence (based on MLK, Gandhi)

Chicano: Social Protest/Education Movement Schools Boycotts & Walkouts Begins 1968 in LA/ Later Crystal City TXCrystal City catalysts for the walk outs high drop out rate, crumbling schools, lack of Mexican American teachers punishments for speaking Spanish