As the heyday of the Chicano Movement of the late 1960s to early 70s fades further into history and as more and more of its important figures pass on, so too does knowledge of its significance. Thus, CHICANO MOVEMENT FOR BEGINNERS is an important attempt to stave off historical amnesia. It seeks to shed light on the multifaceted, civil rights struggle that formed the Chicano Movement. Just as African Americans in the 1960s fought to end centuries of racism, discrimination and injustice, so too did Mexican Americans. From California to Texas and well into the Midwest and even to the East Coast, young and old emerged from the shadows to demand their rightful place in American society. The Chicano Movement, or "e;El Movimiento,"e; galvanised the Mexican American community, from labourers to student activists, giving them not only a political voice to combat prejudice and inequality, but, also, a new sense of cultural awareness and ethnic pride. Beyond commemorating the past, CHICANO MOVEMENT FOR BEGINNERS seeks to reaffirm the goals and spirit of the Chicano Movement for the simple reason that many of the critical issues Mexican American activists first brought to the nation's attention then – educational disadvantage, endemic poverty, political exclusion and social bias – remain as pervasive as ever almost half a century later. As the Latino population in the United States continues to grow across the country, these issues will assume greater prominence in the national discourse. As this occurs, all Americans would be wise to take note of the spirit and legacy of the Chicano Movement, charting a way forward with a deeper understanding of its successes, failures, lessons and inspirations.
