Chicano Moratorium
The Chicano Moratorium emerged as a response to the disproportionate impact of the Vietnam War on Mexican Americans. With a high number of Latino troops drafted and experiencing higher casualty rates, Mexican Americans faced discrimination and inequality both in the war and back home. Factors such as limited access to education and economic opportunities contributed to their overrepresentation in Vietnam casualties. Initially motivated by patriotism and a desire to prove themselves, the Chicano community eventually grew disillusioned with the war and formed the Chicano Moratorium, a massive protest in East Los Angeles in 1970. This movement, joined by over 20,000 Mexican Americans, aimed to raise awareness about the unjust treatment of their community, demand equal rights, and challenge systemic racism and oppression.
A remarkable feminist leader and organizer of Tongva and Mexican heritage, Gloria Arellanes played a key role in the Chicano Moratorium. Not only did Arellanes mobilize thousands of Chicanos while working for the National Chicano Moratorium Committee in 1969 and 1970, but she had also previously served for two years as the first female minister for the Brown Berets. In February 1970, she and the female membership separated from the Brown Berets due to their discriminatory macho culture and formed the women's group "Las Adelitas de Aztlán," which Arellanes led. The Adelitas played an active role in demonstrations, reclaiming their power. Six months after the August Moratorium, they opened a medical clinic, La Clínica Familiar del Barrio, which supplied free medical services to the community, including women’s reproductive care. The clinic continues to serve the East L.A. community today as AltaMed.
The Chicano Moratorium, a protest on August 29, 1970, initially intended to be peaceful in response to Latino deaths in the Vietnam War, quickly turned chaotic. It resulted in the death of Ruben Salazar and around 200 arrests. The protest started near Belvedere Park, with participants marching along various streets until reaching Laguna Park for a rally. However, clashes between police and protesters erupted at a liquor store, escalating with the use of riot control measures and tear gas. The situation intensified, leading to fires and confusion, and eventually required additional law enforcement units. Eventually chaos subsided leading to a day that will never be forgotten.