Chicano Moratorium facts for kids

The Chicano Moratorium, officially known as the National Chicano Moratorium Committee Against The Vietnam War, was a powerful movement led by Chicano activists. Their main goal was to organize Mexican American groups to speak out against the Vietnam War.

This movement was started by activists from local colleges and members of the Brown Berets. The Brown Berets were a group that grew from high school student protests in 1968. The movement reached its biggest point with a huge march on August 29, 1970. This march took place in East Los Angeles and brought together 30,000 people. It was one of the largest gatherings of Mexican Americans ever. It was also the biggest anti-war protest by any single ethnic group in the USA.

The Los Angeles FBI office reportedly watched the event. They later did not release all their documents about it. Chicano activists Ramsés Noriega and Rosalio Muñoz organized the march in East L.A. Muñoz was a key leader of the Chicano Moratorium Committee. He returned as a co-chair in February 1971.

What Was the Chicano Moratorium?

The Chicano Moratorium was a movement of Mexican American people. They wanted to stop the Vietnam War. Many young Chicanos were being sent to fight in the war. They felt it was unfair. They believed the war was hurting their communities.

Why Did They Protest?

The activists believed the war was unjust. They also felt that Mexican Americans were being treated unfairly at home. They wanted to bring attention to both these issues. The movement aimed to unite people. They wanted to show their strength and demand change.

The Big March in East Los Angeles

The most famous event was the march on August 29, 1970. Thousands of people walked through East Los Angeles. They carried signs and chanted slogans. This march showed how many people felt strongly about the war. It was a historic moment for the Chicano community.

Remembering the Moratorium

The Chicano Moratorium had a lasting impact. People still remember and celebrate its importance today. Events to honor the original moratoriums started in 1986. They have happened every year since then.

Commemorating the Event

The National Chicano Moratorium Committee (NCMC) continues to remember the original events. They also speak out about current issues. For example, they have addressed the American war in Afghanistan. These events help keep the spirit of the movement alive.

Education and Activism

The NCMC often chooses themes for their commemorations. In 2013, the theme was "Education for Liberation, Not Assimilation." This theme highlights the importance of education. It also honors people who fought for better education. That year, they remembered Sal Castro. He was an important educator. He supported the East Los Angeles high school walkouts. A newspaper article from 1968 said, "Sal Castro won his teaching job back... because the new militant Mexican American movement here demanded it."