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Help us continue the mission to preserve our
Raza history.Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. 
La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley is a California Public Benefit Corporation (#3974355)and is an IRS § 501(c) (3) Public Charity Non-Profit Organization. Federal ID Tax # 81-3429366. 

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La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley is an avenue for the preservation of social, business, political, and civil rights contributions of La Raza community from the mid 1800s to present.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking the button below.

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LRHS Video Interviews

on the RJ MARTINEZ Channel

SJSU Revisiting Chicano Commencement 1968 Symposium 10/11/2019

SJSU Revisiting Chicano Commencement 1968 Symposium 10/11/2019

Video SJSU Revisiting Chicano Commencement 1968 Symposium 10/11/2019 In June 1968, Chicano students staged a walkout from then-San José State College commencement exercises to protest the lack of Chicano student enrollment, faculty members and related programs. The legacy of this activism is still felt today at San Jose State University To commemorate the events of 1968, SJSU hosted a symposium on Oct. 11, 2019 in the Diaz Compean Student Union Ballroom. Visit at Evergreen Valley College of Dr. Armando Valdez, Stanford University and Dr. Gregorio-Mora Torres, Emeritus, Chicana Chicano Studies SJSU. Dr. Valdez was on of the first Chicano Students at SJSU in 1964. He and a few others started SI, Student Initiative, possibly the first Chicano student group at SJS, which later became MASC-Mexican American Student Confederation, then MEChA de SJSU. He also provided leadership of the 1968 SJSU Graduation Day Chicano Student Walkout. This led to admission of about 200 Chicano students in 1969 and the creation of the first EOP Program, which led to the formation of EOP, Educational Opportunity Programs across California. Below is a link to the six hour symposium video about the" 1968 SJSU Graduation Chicano Walkout that was organized by Dr. Valdez and others. Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/365812673 SJSU Revisiting the 1968 Chicano Commencement Symposium ------------------------------------- Dr. Humberto Garza has written several books about the early history of Chicanos at SJSU; look him up. San Jose State University Chicano Commencement Walkout 1968: Dr. Humberto Garza 3/17/2018 https://youtu.be/92EEExUsKFk?si=p5EtTCU6Wu46OYYf ----------------------------------- This is part one of two videos; women talking about their college experiences; the 2nd video is about the men. 50th Chicano Reunion SJSU Women's Testimonios 1/2 11/4/2018 https://youtu.be/IQSg2mJYIDQ?si=eLCh0aO2TUtpr6-I ----------------------------------- This is the 1st. of 3 additional videos. 50th Chicano Reunion San Jose State University Part 1/3 11/4/2018 https://youtu.be/KofpAL_t_Dc?si=8IoBHazUwpVx8qdR Brief Video Posted for Instruction Educational Purposes Only Copyright San Jose State University
The Chicano Movement Santa Clara Valley Gregorio Mora-Torres SJSU Edited  2/26/2025

The Chicano Movement Santa Clara Valley Gregorio Mora-Torres SJSU Edited 2/26/2025

The Chicano Movement Santa Clara Valley 1960-1975: Fighting for Educational Reforms, Economic Equality, and Political Empowerment Gregorio Mora-Torres PhD SJSU Author Talk The Chicano Movement in the Santa Clara Valley, 1960–1975: Fighting for Educational Reforms, Economic Equality, and Political Empowerment By Gregorio Mora-Torres, PhD Published by La Raza Historical Society Publishing, 2024 ISBN: 978-1-962153-02-7 San José, CA – La Raza Historical Society Publishing is proud to announce the release of The Chicano Movement in the Santa Clara Valley, 1960–1975: Fighting for Educational Reforms, Economic Equality, and Political Empowerment by Emeritus San José State University historian Gregorio Mora-Torres, PhD. This groundbreaking work provides a deeply researched and compelling narrative of the transformative Chicano movement in greater San José, one of California’s most vibrant regions. His previously published books include: - The Early Works of Luis Miguel Valdez in El Excentrico Magazine: El Machete Critiques of American Society Edited by Gregorio Mora-Torres and Rosanna Alvarez, published by La Raza Historical Society Publishing, 2023 - Californio Voices: The Oral Memoirs of José María Amador and Lorenzo Asísara, Edited and Translated by Gregorio Mora-Torres, published by University of North Texas Press, 2005. An In-Depth Exploration of a Pivotal Era Through meticulous documentation and a nuanced lens, Mora-Torres chronicles the shift from assimilationist ideals to bold community activism, spotlighting the fight for educational equity, labor rights, and political representation. The book unpacks how urban development displaced traditional colonias, ideological rifts divided community leaders, and Chicano activists emerged to challenge systemic injustices. Highlights from the Book • Demographics and Urban Development: Analyzes the impact of rapid population growth and urbanization on Mexican communities. • Political Awakening: Details the rise of a new generation of activists during the War on Poverty and their struggle for representation. • Protests and Educational Reforms: This section captures the activism that spurred transformative changes in local schools, colleges, and unions. • Community-Based Organizations: Celebrate the grassroots efforts to combat structural racism and promote equity through the establishment of organizations like La Confederación de la Raza Unida. Richly Illustrated with Rare Photographs The book includes a photographic journal that vividly captures the spirit of the era, from mass protests to community celebrations, offering a visual narrative of the Chicano movement’s legacy. A Timely Release As the struggle for social justice, equality, and representation continues to shape the American experience, this book serves as both a historical account and an inspiration for future generations. About the Author Gregorio Mora-Torres, PhD, is an Emeritus at San José State University Chicana Chicano Studies expert on Chicano studies. His work has been instrumental in preserving the stories and contributions of Mexican-American communities in California and beyond. Availability $35 Free Shipping The Chicano Movement in the Santa Clara Valley, 1960–1975, directly from La Raza Historical Society Publishing at our website 1. Visit our website www.larazahs.org for information on how to make a $35 donation and arrange free mailing. 2. Message us at: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LaRazaHistoricalSocietySCV For interviews, review copies or further information, please contact: La Raza Historical Society Publishing Email: info@lrhs.org Rediscover history. Reclaim the legacy. #ChicanoMovement #SantaClaraHistory #SocialJustice

Our Mission

Preserving la raza contributions

We collect and digitize articles, photographs, taped videos and oral histories of individuals and families who have long contributed to the prosperity of our region.

Availability of this information to academic researchers and others who are interested in knowing more about our Raza community

provides data about our community heroes, many of whom have never received civic recognition for their efforts in making

Santa Clara Valley what it is today.

Your Impact

Continued support to meet our goals

Your contributions help fund our projects with community-based affiliates like History San Jose, individuals, schools and other groups. 

Our list of sponsors have allowed us to move forward with our major objectives and we are counting on you for your support.

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Downtown San José

Mexican Historic Sites Tour

A walk through Mexican historic Downtown San José sponsored by San José City Councilmember Honorable Raul Peralez

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Watch now! Our history,

like the pyramids of Mesoamerica, is built upon layers. Each generation influenced by the one that preceded it.

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