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US Latinx Activism and Protests: From the Farm to the (Legislative) Table Art produced during the Chicanx Movement Abstract: In the midst of change, The Chicanx Movement was a monumental time for Mexican Americans in the United States during the late 1960s. The movement addressed the social, economic, and political inequalities experienced by Mexican Americans across the nation. Aimed to celebrate and acknowledge cultural pride and identity, the movement also sought to reclaim and celebrate Mexican and Mexican American history, art, and culture. The Chicanx Movement played a significant role in shaping the Latino identity and influencing subsequent social justice movements, and the artwork produced during this time allowed for many to voice their opinions on the political and social climate of the U.S during the time. LA Demonstrations During the Chicano Movement Abstract: The Chicano Movement was a movement that involved Mexican-Americans all over the United States and was a crucial component to establishing civil rights for Latinos. While Chicanos living in the United States were at the focal point of discrimination in society, they figured that it was best to come together and establish a sense of familiarity in order to combat these racial remarks and disadvantages. To spark attention to their cause and movement, many Chicanos participated in numerous demonstrations and while many were peaceful, many considered them as radical. By Steve, Lexi, and Ricardo Bracero Program In this project we will be analyzing a number of facets of the Bracero Program with a specific focus on the causes, on both sides of the border, which culminated in the agreement. Consequently, we will explore the historical context of the US and Mexico of the first half of the twentieth century, including the impact of the Mexican Revolution as well as the dire situation brought about by the second world war. By utilizing this basis we will then analyze the “migration aspect” entailed by the program, travel from Mexico to the US and various territories. Not only as an in depth look at the agreement, but also as a necessary foundation. One which will permit the Bracero Program to be positioned in history, while simultaneously deepening the exposition and understanding of a largely forgotten case of large-scale abuse and exploitation. We anticipate this will form the backbone of the examination of bracero experiences: first-hand accounts and testimonials.. By Fernando, Joy and Lizeth Chicano Farm Worker Movement In this project, we will be discussing about the Chicano Farm Worker Movement and how it brought change to not only farm workers but to society as a whole. We will be focused on the working conditions of farm workers prior and after the movement, notable or influential leaders, and the communities that were fueling the movement. By examining their struggles, successes, and legacy, we wanted to provide a better understanding of the process needed to advocate and bring forth social change for a marginalized group of people. Last, we wanted to remove stereotypes and other misconceptions about the movement in creating a more equitable society. Por: Justin Bui, Kristi Kang, Jenniffer Young Las "Brujas" Feministas: Magazines, Art, and Television This project intends to provide a comprehensive analysis of women's representation in different mediums such as art, television, and fanzines. In this way, the goal is to understand the gender stereotypes that women have had to overcome from a feminist perspective. Through this discussion, the hope is to amplify women's voices to promote inclusive and equitable representation in society. By Claudia Mejia, Janet Landa, Diana Andrade Walkouts and Protests in Los Angeles On our page, we will discuss the walkouts and protests that took place within schools and communities across Los Angeles. The school protests happened because Latino students wanted to see a change in the education system. Some of the changes Latino students wanted to see implemented were hiring more Chicano professors and administrators, having more Chicano Studies classes in higher education, and overall being treated better without discrimination or judgment. In the 1960s, high school students faced racism and discrimination, which included a lack of education and insufficient school buildings in comparison to those of white students in the area. Walkouts famously took place at Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles, where there was a large population of Latino students. In 1993, college students also faced a lack of Chicano education when budget cuts put the Chicano classes at UCLA at risk of being shut down. This led to a hunger strike, where UCLA students protested and ultimately helped to establish the UCLA César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o Studies. In the years leading up to 1965, Latino and Black communities also protested because they wanted to see a change in the way they were treated. The Black community finally had enough in 1965 and the Watts Riots happened, which in the end led to positive changes in their community. By Sydney Schwinger, Vanessa Harris, Jazmin Chavez

Guatemalan Genocide & Its Dark Truth

This page will focus on the Guatemalan genocide, a period of brutal violence that brought tremendous adversity to those indigenous communities residing in the rural areas of Guatemala. It will provide details regarding the atrocities that the Mayan people experienced, the trauma that was left behind, and the hardships that they continue to face today. Furthermore, it will demonstrate how this heinous period of history fostered activism and social movements in Guatemala. By Paola Chavarria and & Aurora Nieves

The economic and political inequalities led to the Guatemalan war between the government of Guatemala and various leftist rebel groups (also known as the Guerillas) from 1960 until 1996. Unfortunately, this civil war gave rise to what is known to some as the Guatemalan genocide, the Mayan genocide, or the Silent Holocaust. The Guatemalan genocide was precipitated by the Guatemalan government’s belief that the indigenous people were sympathizing with the leftist Guerrilla groups. As a result, the Mayan community became the recipients of torture, forced disappearances, sexual violence, massacres, and human rights abuse. In fact, it is estimated that there were over 200,000 deaths in which 83% of them were indigenous individuals.
Rigoberta Menchú – a Mayan activist who like many lost her brother, father, and mother during the genocide – was one of the first people to speak on this barbaric event. As news of the atrocities spread, international attention was drawn. Subsequently, international human rights organizations together with some Guatemalan activists and intellectuals began to speak out against the genocide. They wanted to raise awareness and pressure the government along with other international organizations to get involved, but more specifically they wanted those responsible for the genocide to be held accountable.
Like Mechú, others have joined the efforts to seek justice for the victims of the Guatemalan genocide. For instance, The Mutual Support Group (GAM) assisted the families of those who were illegally detained and forcibly disappeared. The Human Rights Office of the Archbishop of Guatemala (ODHAG) supported survivors, documented evidence, and brought international pressure on the Guatemalan government so that they could address the crimes committed during the Guatemalan war and the Mayan genocide. In addition, Anthropologist like Freddy, the founder and director of the Guatemalan Foundation of Forensics Anthropology (Fundación de Antropología Forense de Guatemala) and forensic Anthropologist Gabriella Padilla helped exhume remains from mass graves to match them to individuals who are yet to discover the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Undeniably, the Guatemalan genocide has left a lasting impact on the country. Yet, the ongoing efforts of the people of Guatemala to seek justice has brought recognition to indigenous rights and served as a catalyst for human rights advocacy today.

Guatemalan Genocide & Its Dark Truth

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