The Chicano Movement

This exhibit will focus on the social change that the Chicano Movement and activism’s long-standing impact have had on both the Chicanx community and culture.

During the 1960s, the Chicano Movement emerged during the civil rights era to create a new consciousness for Mexican Americans and present members of this community with the opportunity to both culturally express themselves as well as protect their human rights. For many years, Mexicans living in the United States were and continue to be denied access to the American Dream because it requires one to assimilate to Anglo-American society. Although members of this community are still discriminated against today, they remain resilient in order to overcome the adversity they are faced with.

Overall, the Chicano Movement socially and politically empowered the United States' Mexican American community. There are various important aspects of this movement, such as the leadership of college students, the importance of standing in solidarity with other racial minorities, the establishment of agricultural labor reforms, and the overall impact activism has had and continues to have on uplifting the voices of historically neglected groups. This movement recognizes the mistreatment of Mexican-Americans and how Chicanx activists have worked towards ending the exploitation, suppression, and poverty of this community.

The Chicano Movement brings attention to significant civil rights leaders, such as Chicana activists who are often hidden under the shadows of male leaders, and of other individuals that continue the unfinished work of social justice, ranging from present-day artists to authors. Overall, the legacy of this social movement continues to live on today, motivating individuals to express their pride in the Chicanx culture and confidently mark their place in American society.