Please grab your English binder before you sit
down. Then, turn to the “Do Now” section of
your binder.
I am . . .
For five minutes, write
statements beginning with the
phrase “I am.” These statements
should be self-reflective and true
to yourself.
The Chicano Movement
Read and annotate the article
titled, “East L.A. Blowouts:
Walking Out for Justice in the
Classrooms.”
Chit Chat Questions
1. What heavily influenced the Chicano
movement?
2. What were many Americans’ views of
Mexican-Americans during this time?
3. What were some of the demands made by
students to the Los Angeles Board of
Education?
4. Were the walkouts entirely successful?
5. What would the demands allow students to do
/ have?
What is a Chicano?
Chicano [noun]: a person of
Mexican origin or descent living in
the United States.
The term “Chicano” became popular
during the outbreak of the Civil
Rights Movement in the 1960s.
“Chicano” then became a point of
pride.
The Chicano Movement
Encompassed a broad cross section of
issues – from restoration of land grants, to
farm workers’ rights, to enhanced
education, to voting and political rights,
as well as emergence of collective history
Socially, the movement addressed
negative ethnic stereotypes of Mexicans
Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales
1928-2005
One of eight children; born in Denver, Colorado
Boxer, poet, and Chicano activist
Author of “I am Joaquin” (1967)
Father emigrated from Mexico to Colorado, and taught
Corky about Mexican history and the pride of the Mexican
people. This shaped Corky’s identity – and possibly his
destiny.
Did not attend college because of financial hardship. Pursued
a career in boxing instead. Ranked three in the world!
In the mid-1960s, he founded an urban civil rights and
cultural movement called Crusade for Justice. He soon
became one of the central leaders in the Chicano Movement.
“I am Joaquin”
Read it once to yourself. When you
are done, turn your packet over so
Ms. R knows you are done.
If you know any of the historical
references that the speaker refers to,
make note of them.
Then, wait for Ms. R’s instructions.