This teatro was performed live during El Cinco de Mayo in Ray Aguilera (Bessemer) Park.
Script by Denise Torrez. El Movimiento Sigue president.
Narrator: Welcome! Bienvenidos! Our theme this year is: 55 years of POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
We are going to share highlights from each of the past six decades where the Chicano people have demonstrated their People Power and have fought through various issues and continued El Movimiento. We want to demonstrate that by using our collective power, we CAN and WILL continue to demonstrate unity, love, and resilience in this country, our homeland, Turtle Island/Aztlán.
1970s
Marchers: Begin with gritos: “¡Tierra o Muerte!” “¡Que Viva Los Seis!” – (share megaphone)
Narrator: In the 1970s, the Chicano Civil Rights Movement fought for social justice, political empowerment, and cultural recognition, focusing on issues like land rights, worker’s rights, educational equality, and voting rights. National conversations about the political and social autonomy of Chicano/Latino groups were rising to the forefront.
Issues specific to Colorado in the 1970s were:
- Sangre de Cristo Land Rights dispute – San Luis
- The passing of the Martyrs of the Chicano Movement known as Los Seis de Boulder or the Symbols of Resistance
- First Cinco de Mayo was held in Pueblo on May 5, 1970
Marchers begin chanting “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!” “!QUE VIVA LA RAZA!”
1980s
Marchers: Begin with gritos: “We don’t speak English only!” “Free Kiko Martinez!”
Narrator: In the 1980s, the Chicano movement continued its fight for social justice and community empowerment, but faced many challenges from the Reagan Administration and an increase in immigration policing. The Movement focused on issues like worker’s rights, educational equality, and cultural pride. The Chicano Movement, also known as El Movimiento, continued to advocate for the rights of Chicano communities, seeking to end discrimination and achieve social and political equality.
Issues specific to Colorado in the 1980s were:
- The Kiko Martinez trials
- Racist English Only legislation
- The push for Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- The targeting of Pueblo’s Neighborhood Health Centers
Marchers begin chanting “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!” “!QUE VIVA LA RAZA!”
1990s
Marchers: Begin with gritos: “¡Educación es Liberación!” “Down with Columbus!”
Narrator: In the 1990s, Chicano civil rights activism continued to focus on issues like educational equality, voting rights and labor rights. This decade also saw the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and the evolving nature of the Chicano identity. In 1992, Chicanos aligned with tribal relatives of Turtle Island to acknowledge the 500th year of the Colonization of the Western hemisphere marking the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage.
Issues Specific to Colorado in the 1990s were:
- The Abolish Columbus Day effort
- The closing of some of the neediest neighborhood schools in D60
Marchers begin chanting “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!” “!QUE VIVA LA RAZA!” and get the audience to repeat it 3-4 times.
2000s
Marchers: Begin with gritos: “Cultura Cura” “Brown is Beautiful!”
Narrator: The 2000s were marked by ongoing struggles for civil rights and Chicano community empowerment. In the 2000s, Chicano communities continued to face challenges related to immigration, discrimination, and political representation.The Chicano community developed and inspired grassroots organizations aimed at empowering Chicano communities and addressing their needs.
The movement’s emphasis on cultural identity and pride continued to influence Chicano art, music, and literature, fostering a vibrant cultural scene.
Issues Specific to Colorado in the 2000s were:
- The Development of the Chicano Movement Archives
- The rise of profit over people
- Healthcare disparities
Marchers begin chanting “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!” “!QUE VIVA LA RAZA!”
2010s
Marchers: Begin with gritos: ”El pueblo unido, jamás será vencido!”
Narrator: In the 2010s, the Chicano Civil Rights Movement continued to focus on issues like immigration, voting rights, and educational equality, while also addressing emerging concerns.
Incidents of police brutality against people of color, including Chicanos, gained national attention, sparking protests and calls for reform.
The Chicano movement saw the rise of Chicana empowerment and the emergence of the Xicanx identity, which promoted gender equality and queer liberation.
Issues Specific to Colorado in the 2010s were:
- Same sex marriage was legalized in 2014
- Water Protectors supported efforts to stop expansion of pipelines and contamination of natural resources. Water is life, Mni Wiconi!
Marchers begin chanting “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!” “!QUE VIVA LA RAZA!”
2020s
Marchers: Begin with gritos: “Black Lives Matter!”- “Take it Down!”- “¡Que viva La Mujer!”
Narrator: In the 2020s, issues of social justice and discrimination continue to drive activism within the Chicano community, with protests against police brutality and calls for criminal justice reform.
The Chicano movement aligns with Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ movements both nationally and locally.
The 2020s saw significant legal and political challenges surrounding women’s reproductive rights, particularly following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Reproductive rights for women of color are critical. We must continue to address inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Issues Specific to Colorado in the 2020s were:
- Months-long Black Lives Matter,Take it Down protests
- Mass deportations
- Lack of due process and rights of immigrants
Marchers begin chanting “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!” “!QUE VIVA LA RAZA!”
Narrator: Throughout the past 55 years, one thing has remained and that is the beauty, love and power de nuestra Gente! Images of folklorico dancers, mariachi musicians, murals, and lowriders continue to grace our beautiful communities. We are facing challenging times, but we have the power within us to overcome! Que Viva La Raza!
