Chicano! Fighting for Political Power

In the 1960s, a new generation of Mexican-Americans created a militant social movement born from years of frustration. They demanded humane treatment as farmworkers, fought to reclaim ancestral land, and recognized the dire need for political power to overcome their second-class citizen status. This period saw the emergence of a new political party and a challenge to existing stereotypes.

In the 1960s, Mexican-Americans were the majority in South Texas, largely poor migrant farmworkers with limited education. This region historically subjected Mexican-Americans to segregation and unequal education, mirroring the plight of African-Americans in the Deep South. Despite making up 85% of Crystal City's population in the 1940s and 50s, they had no political representation due to poll taxes, literacy tests, and gerrymandered voting districts. Law enforcement like the Texas Rangers contributed to a climate of intimidation and violence, deterring Mexican-Americans from fighting for their civil rights.

In 1963, for the first time in over a century, Mexican-Americans in Crystal City fielded their own candidates, known as 'Los Cinco,' for city government. Through ingenious campaigns, they defeated the Anglo mayor and city council. However, their victory was short-lived as the local business community retaliated, leading to their defeat in the next election. This experience taught Jose Angel Gutierrez the importance of not just gaining, but also holding power.

Building on historical activism, Gutierrez and Willie Velasquez studied past movements for change. Earlier organizations like LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), formed in 1929, successfully broke down discriminatory barriers in education, employment, and health services. The American GI Forum emerged in the mid-40s after returning Mexican-American servicemen faced continued discrimination, notably the refusal to bury war hero Felix Longoria in his hometown. Senator Lyndon Johnson’s intervention in this case garnered significant Mexican-American support for the Democratic party, especially during John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign through Viva Kennedy clubs.

Disillusioned with the Democratic Party's unfulfilled promises and the perceived inaction of older organizations, a new generation of Chicano activists, including Gutierrez, sought more confrontational tactics. Gutierrez focused on organizing in Crystal City, targeting schools where Mexican-American students faced negative stereotypes, prohibition of speaking Spanish, and discriminatory policies, such as limiting Mexican-American cheerleaders. In December 1969, 700 students walked out of Crystal City High School, demanding Mexican-American representation among teachers and counselors, and courses in Mexican-American history. The walkout, a courageous act, led to the school board agreeing to all demands, including the election of Diana Palacio as head cheerleader.

Following the student success, Mexican-Americans in Crystal City formed La Raza Unida (The United People), a new political party. The party found strong support among women, who actively registered voters and organized. Mexican-American women, initially sidelined as 'Tamale makers,' demanded a voice in decision-making, leading to a significant shift in dynamics within the movement. La Raza Unida campaigned on issues like bilingual education, fair taxation, and regulation of public utilities. In April 1970, the party achieved a near total victory, winning 15 out of 16 possible races on the school board and city council.

Despite resistance and condemnation from the Anglo establishment, La Raza Unida spread across Texas and other states. In 1972, Ramsey Muniz ran for governor of Texas under the La Raza banner, bringing widespread attention to the party. However, the party also faced internal divisions. In Los Angeles, the party's challenge to the Democratic establishment, exemplified by Raul Ruiz's campaign against incumbent Richard Alatorre, was seen as too radical by many Mexican-American voters. This split the Mexican-American vote, resulting in a Democratic loss to a Republican, raising questions about the efficacy of a third-party approach versus working within established parties.

In Texas, Jose Angel Gutierrez and La Raza Unida grew increasingly militant, seeing the 'Gringo' as the barrier to progress. This rhetoric drew criticism from figures like Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez and led to accusations of advocating violence. Meanwhile, Willie Velasquez chose a more moderate path, focusing on voter registration within existing parties, believing an ethnic third party would not work. This ideological split centered on the fundamental question: work within the system or be completely independent? Corky Gonzalez advocated for an independent party, while Gutierrez, despite earlier militancy, recognized the potential for leveraging La Raza Unida votes to gain concessions from major parties.

In 1972, La Raza Unida held its first National Convention in El Paso, Texas. The convention brought together Chicanos from across the country, creating a sense of unity and national identity. The party was under surveillance by the CIA and FBI, who feared a separatist movement. Debates on the convention floor focused on whether to endorse presidential candidates or remain independent, ultimately deciding against supporting either major party, aligning with Corky Gonzalez's separatist stance. A leadership struggle emerged between Gutierrez and Gonzalez for the party chairmanship, with Gutierrez ultimately winning after a contentious vote reflecting deep divisions within the movement.

Jose Angel Gutierrez's victory in the leadership election signified a shift in political strategy for Mexican-Americans. While Ramsey Muniz lost the Texas gubernatorial race, his significant vote count prevented a Democratic majority, impacting the political landscape. The FBI continued surveillance of groups like Corky Gonzalez's Crusade for Justice, leading to violent confrontations and the decline of the organization. Despite the short lifespan of La Raza Unida as a national force, its impact was profound. It inspired a new generation of political activists, destroyed stereotypes of apathy, and led to significant advancements in voter registration and legal challenges against discriminatory voting laws, largely through the work of Willie Velasquez's Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project and MALDEF. These efforts resulted in thousands of new Latino voters and elected officials, expanding civil rights and redefining American culture through art, literature, and music, ultimately achieving many of the goals envisioned by the Chicano movement.