The
decade of the 1960's marked the emergence of Chicano political
activism that included both student mobilizations and union
organizing. These strengthened the saliency of the Chicano
civil rights agenda. Social and political unrest, nationally
and internationally, built an energetic momentum for institutional
change and cultural transformation. The belief in individuals
organizing to maximize their power created a group dynamic
of strength premised on culture for /and by minority groups.
Domestic
and international factors contributed to the new political
and social consciousness of "Chicanismo". Internationally,
countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa had been involved
in Wars of liberation; revolution was in the air. Domestically,
the Civil Rights Movement fomented many ideas for social
change and personal and collective liberation. The threshhold
Free Speech movement entailed reaction by youth against
the attempts by University of California, Berkeley authorities
to contain or regulate student’s voices. Organizing efforts
by the United Farm Workers influenced significantly the
activities of student organizations that would use peaceful
demonstrations to demand change. The UFW gave a voice to
a silenced group, the Mexicano farm worker. The Watts Rebellion
stamped a reminder of the causes of social discontent on
people’s minds in the late 60’s. All these would make many
question the conditions of minorities in the U.S. and all
would contribute to the struggle for economic, social and
political equality.
During
the sixties individuals formed the first Raza organization
at UCLA, the United Mexican American Students. At a time
of less than 100 students enrolled, the organization became
a very strong advocate at UCLA for change and a solid pillar
in the Chicano Movement overall. UMAS energetically advocated
for change on and off campus. Important activities were
large conferences on Chicano issues, including the first
Chicana rights conference.
