Así es la CULTURA CHICANA en LOS ANGELES 🇺🇸 ¡DISCRIMINADOS en su PROPIO PAÍS!

Summary

The video explores the Chicano culture in East LA, highlighting the community's history, identity, and contributions. It delves into the term 'Chicano', discussing its derogatory origins and evolution into a symbol of pride. The script covers topics like the influence of Mexican immigrants on American society, the role of the church in the Chicano movement, and the cultural expressions through art, music, and lowriding. It also addresses past and present challenges faced by the community, such as discrimination and gang culture, while emphasizing the resilience and strength of the Chicano identity.

Takeaways

• 🌎 Chicanos are people of Mexican origin born in the United States, often perceived as foreigners in their own country.
• 🏬 Over 15% of US citizens are children or descendants of Mexicans, contributing to a rich Chicano culture.
• 🗣️ The term 'Chicano' was originally negative, implying 'less than Mexican', but has evolved into a cultural identifier.
• 🏭 East Los Angeles, particularly Boyle Heights, is a historic area where many Mexicans settled and worked, especially in mariachi music.
• 🎵 Mariachi Plaza is a gathering spot for mariachis waiting for work, reflecting the importance of music in Chicano culture.
• 🖼️ Chicano art, including murals and tattoos, often tells personal stories and has roots in gang culture as a form of expression.
• 🍔 Food places like 'Taquería El Momo' are not just eateries but symbols of pride and cultural heritage.
• 🏢 Businesses in East LA, such as 'Los 5 Puntos', are integral to the community and often have historical or cultural significance.
• 📰 The prevalence of Spanish-language newspapers and media in East LA reflects the strong Latino presence and influence.
• 🎶 Chicano culture has significantly influenced American music, including genres like Hip-Hop, often overlooked by mainstream media.
• 🚗 Lowriding, the customizing and cruising of cars, is a significant part of Chicano culture with a history dating back to the 60s and 70s.

Q & A

What is the term 'Chicano' used to describe?

The term 'Chicano' is used to describe a person of Mexican origin who lives in the United States, particularly those who are children or descendants of Mexicans and were born in the U.S.

What is the meaning behind the term 'La Raza'?

'La Raza' is a term used by Chicanos to refer to themselves, symbolizing their identity and cultural pride.

What is the origin of the word 'Chicano'?

The word 'Chicano' originally had a negative connotation, used to imply 'small' or 'less than' in comparison to Mexicans born in Mexico. It was used to suggest that those born in the U.S. were not fully Mexican.

Why is East Los Angeles significant to the Chicano culture?

East Los Angeles is significant to the Chicano culture because it is a historic area where many Mexicans and Chicanos have settled, and it is a place where the culture has been preserved and celebrated.

What role do 'mariachis' play in the Chicano community?

Mariachis are an integral part of the Chicano culture, often playing traditional Mexican music at events and in public spaces, contributing to the cultural identity and pride of the community.

How has the perception of 'Chicano' evolved over time?

The perception of 'Chicano' has evolved from being associated with delinquency and gangs to being a cultural expression and a symbol of pride in one's heritage.

What is the significance of tattoos and murals in Chicano culture?

Tattoos and murals in Chicano culture are forms of artistic expression that often tell personal stories or represent cultural and religious symbols, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Why are the 'Lowriders' an important part of Chicano culture?

Lowriders are an important part of Chicano culture as they represent a unique form of automotive artistry and personal expression. They are also tied to the history of the Chicano community and their cruising events are social gatherings.

What is the significance of the date August 29, 1969 in Chicano history?

August 29, 1969, marks the date of the largest Chicano Moratorium, where more than 20,000 Mexican-Americans protested against the Vietnam War and for their civil rights.

How did the Church of the Epiphany play a role in the Chicano movement?

The Church of the Epiphany was a shelter for immigrants and played a leading role in the Chicano movement by supporting the rights of the Chicano community and housing a clandestine newspaper called 'La Raza'.

What is the current state of Chicano culture according to the script?

The current state of Chicano culture is one of pride and identity, with a rich history that has been passed down and continues to evolve, offering more opportunities and a brighter future for the younger generations.

Outlines

00:00

🌎 Chicano Identity and Culture

The paragraph delves into the concept of 'Chicano', referring to Mexican-Americans who experience a sense of foreignness in their own country. It discusses the Chicano culture's origins in East Los Angeles, where over 15% of US citizens are of Mexican descent. The script introduces the term 'La Raza', which Chicanos use to identify themselves. It also touches on the historical negative connotations of 'Chicano', its evolution from a term used to belittle Mexicans born in the US, and the cultural pride it now represents. The narrative includes personal accounts of what it means to be Chicano, the discrimination faced, and the strong connection to Mexican heritage despite being American by birth.

05:03

🎼 The Intersection of Chicano Culture and Gangs

This section of the script explores the historical link between the Chicano identity and gang culture in East Los Angeles. It discusses the transformation of the term 'Chicano' from one associated with delinquency to a symbol of cultural expression. The summary provides an account of the dangerous environment that led to the formation of gangs as a form of protection for Mexican families. It also highlights the cultural markers such as gang signs painted on buildings and the influence of Chicano culture on art, music, and even tattoos. The narrative includes a personal story from someone who grew up in these conditions and the impact it had on their life.

10:04

🍔 Food and Community in East LA

The script focuses on the culinary delights of East Los Angeles, particularly the famous 'Taquería El Momo', known for its carnitas tacos. It describes the family-owned business and the cultural significance of food in the Chicano community. The paragraph also touches on the broader aspects of East LA's identity, including the prominence of Spanish-language media and the pride in being both Mexican and American. It emphasizes the importance of language preservation and the historical ties to Mexico.

15:04

🎶 Music and the Chicano Experience

This section discusses the influence of Chicano culture on music, highlighting how artists like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre were inspired by the music of the Chicano community. It explores the role of record stores in preserving this cultural heritage and the personal connection to music through family traditions. The narrative also touches on the challenges faced by Chicano musicians in the industry and their determination to break stereotypes and create their own unique sound.

20:05

🚗 Lowriding and the Evolution of Chicano Culture

The script describes the tradition of 'Lowriding', a practice where classic cars are customized and shown off, often involving making the cars bounce or move to music. It discusses how this activity has evolved from being associated with gangs to becoming a respected cultural expression and lifestyle. The narrative includes a personal account of someone who has invested time and money into restoring and customizing a classic Chevy Impala and the impact it has had on their life.

25:06

🗽 The Chicano Movement and the Fight for Rights

This section of the script covers the Chicano Movement's history, particularly focusing on the Chicano Moratorium of 1969, where thousands protested against the Vietnam War and for civil rights. It discusses the role of the church in the Epiphany and its significance in the movement. The narrative includes personal accounts of activists and the challenges faced by the Chicano community, including discrimination, unequal treatment, and the struggle for recognition as full citizens.

🚸 The Future of Chicano Identity

The final paragraph reflects on the progress made by the Chicano community and the changing perceptions of identity. It discusses how the limitations faced by previous generations are no longer as prevalent, offering new opportunities for younger Chicanos. The narrative emphasizes the importance of education and the responsibility to honor the past while looking forward to a brighter future.

Keywords

💡Chicano

Chicano refers to individuals of Mexican origin living in the United States, particularly those who identify with a cultural and political movement that emerged in the 1960s. The term is used in the script to describe people like 'La Raza' in East LA, who are descendants of Mexicans and have a unique cultural identity that is both American and Mexican. The video explores what it means to be Chicano, highlighting the discrimination they faced and their struggle for recognition as full citizens.

💡East LA

East Los Angeles is a region in California known for its large Mexican-American population. In the script, East LA is presented as a cultural hub where Chicano culture thrives, featuring Spanish-speaking residents, Mexican restaurants, and a strong sense of community and identity. It is central to the video's exploration of Chicano life and history.

💡La Raza

La Raza is a term used by Chicanos to refer to themselves, meaning 'the race' or 'the people' in Spanish. It signifies a collective identity and pride in their heritage. The script mentions 'La Raza' as a way for Chicanos to assert their unity and shared experience, especially in the context of the East LA community.

💡Mariachi

Mariachi is a traditional form of Mexican music, often performed by ensembles wearing charro outfits. The script describes the Mariachi Plaza in East LA, where mariachis gather to be hired for events, showcasing an integral part of Chicano culture and a living tradition that is both a source of livelihood and artistic expression.

💡Gang Culture

Gang culture is a significant aspect of Chicano history, particularly in East LA, where it was once associated with delinquency and violence. The script discusses how gang culture has evolved to become a part of the cultural expression, with elements like tattoos and murals that tell stories of individual and community experiences.

💡Lowriding

Lowriding is a car culture that originated in the Chicano community, involving the customization of vehicles, often classic cars, to be shown off through cruising. The script features a 1965 Chevy Impala as an example, illustrating how lowriding has become a cultural expression and a way for individuals to take pride in their vehicles and craftsmanship.

💡Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas tacos are a traditional Mexican dish highlighted in the script as a culinary delight from East LA. The mention of 'Taquería El Momo' and the experience of eating carnitas tacos emphasizes the importance of food in Chicano culture as a means of preserving tradition and sharing community.

💡Chicano Moratorium

The Chicano Moratorium was a significant anti-war protest by the Chicano community against the Vietnam War, particularly the drafting of Chicano men. The script refers to the 1969 moratorium, indicating a pivotal moment in Chicano history where they fought for civil rights and against discrimination.

💡Identity

Identity is a central theme in the script, exploring the complex and sometimes conflicting sense of self for Chicanos who are both Mexican and American. The video discusses how Chicanos navigate their dual heritage and the challenges they face in being fully recognized and valued in American society.

💡Cultural Expression

Cultural expression in the script refers to the various ways Chicanos articulate their heritage, such as through music, art, and food. The video showcases how these expressions are not only a celebration of their culture but also a form of resistance and a means of preserving their history and values.

💡Discrimination

Discrimination is a recurring theme in the script, depicting the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Chicanos. It is discussed in the context of social, economic, and political marginalization, as well as the struggle for equal rights and recognition as full citizens.

Highlights

Chicano refers to individuals of Mexican origin living in the United States, often perceived as foreigners in their own country.

More than 15% of US citizens are Chicanos, a culture shaped by discrimination.

The term 'Chicano' originated as a derogatory term implying 'small' or 'less than' a full Mexican.

East Los Angeles, predominantly Latino, showcases Chicano culture with nearly 90% Spanish speakers.

Being 'Chicano' described as being Latino and Mexican-American, yet neither fully American nor Mexican.

Boyle Heights, a historic Latino neighborhood in East LA, is central to the Chicano community.

Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights is a gathering spot for mariachis waiting for work.

Chicano identity often involves feeling more Mexican than American due to cultural upbringing.

Gang culture in East Los Angeles is deeply rooted in the Chicano community's history.

Chicano art, including murals and tattoos, began as a form of expression within gang culture.

Food, like tacos from 'Taquería El Momo', is a significant part of Chicano culture and community.

Chicano culture has influenced music, with many modern artists inspired by the sounds of East LA.

The Chicano movement of the 1960s fought for the rights of Mexican-Americans, particularly against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

The Chicano Moratorium on August 29, 1969, was a significant protest against the Vietnam War and for civil rights.

The church of the Epiphany was a pivotal location in the Chicano movement, supporting immigrants and activists.

Lowriding, the customizing and cruising of cars, is a cultural expression of Chicano culture that has evolved over time.

The future of Chicano identity is one of breaking stereotypes and embracing education and opportunities.

Transcripts

'Chicano / NA', a person of Mexican origin who lives in the United States of America.

Guys, can you imagine being born in the United States and being considered an immigrant?

I mean, practically being foreigners in your own country.

Of 100% of US citizens,

more than 15% are children or descendants of Mexicans,

they are called 'Chicanos',

a culture that was born and strengthened as a result of discrimination from a country

that always saw them as foreigners.

Guys, in this video we are going to get to know a little more closely

what the Chicano culture is like here in East LA.

Or as they call themselves, 'La Raza'

- What does it mean to be a 'Chicano'?

'Chicanos', Mexicans, that means they were born on this side, you know?

My Mexican parents are Mexican,

one from Veracruz and the other from Michoacán, both immigrants,

they decided to come to the United States and I was born.

That's the only difference.

That's the only difference I explain to people

when I talk to them about being 'Chicano', because we are Mexican,

but because I was born here, they call me 'Chicano'.

- Do you know the origin of that word? - Can you tell us?

The origin of the word?

The word 'Chicano' is a negative word

in the sense that many many Mexicans do not think that we are Mexicans

because we were born on this side, we are Americans.

They told us: "No, they are not Mexican, they are 'small',

they are 'Chicanos', they are 'Chicanitos',

they are not Mexican, they are small, they were born on that side.

They are not like us, they are small...",

that is the origin of the word 'Chicano', from the word 'small'.

Folks, we're in East Los Angeles right now,

we are about 18 minutes from the downtown of the city or so,

that's for you to have a reference.

Nearly 90% of the people who live in East Los Angeles speak Spanish,

they are of Hispanic origin, they are of Latino origin.

And we're waiting for Ernie and Andy,

because they are the ones who are going to show us a little more of the neighborhood

and they are going to tell us a little more about the history and identity of being 'Chicano'.

Andy, tell us what being 'Chicano' means to you.

To be a 'Chicano', well, is to be Latino, is to be Mexican/American.

You are not American, you are not Mexican, you are in between.

So, a Chicano is to be Mexican in Los Angeles.

In the areas where I grew up there were a lot of Latinos, a lot of Mexicans, you know?

I felt good there,

when we went to Mexico to visit family I felt the matter a little more complicated.

There they called us 'gringos', they called us Americans,

they discriminated against us more for not saying a word well in Spanish, you know?

Curiosities of the East Los Angeles area,

we are currently in the Boyle Heights area

and we have just found the street,

it's a street, it's not an avenue

Vicente Fernández street, look...

Right there it says 'Vicente Fernández Street',

and it is located next to what is 'Mariachi Plaza',

but later we are going to talk a little more about this square

because it has a very particular story.

Welcome, here we are in Boyle Heights,

a historic area for Latinos here in East LA.

This is where a lot of Latinos arrived or many Latinos have arrived, more Mexicans

and it is where they get work for weddings, quinceaneras, everything.

Here you can contact 'mariachis'.

As I mentioned to you a moment ago,

we are in the 'Mariachi Plaza' and a curious thing happens here,

and it is that here the mariachis concentrate or sit down to wait for work.

As you can see behind me,

there are several people sitting

and they are waiting for customers to arrive.

Another thing that happens in this area

is that you will see many vans with ads that say 'mariachi'

with the contact telephone number in case you need to hire them.

The beauty of this Plaza is that you can sit here

and listen to the mariachis play while they wait for a job.

We are here waiting for a job.

- Are you a mariachi? - Yeah, I'm a mariachi.

All of us here are mariachis, all of us.

We only wear uniforms when there is work.

Right now we are here because sometimes clients arrive in cars and hire us,

at that moment we changed clothes.

Some come already dressed as mariachi,

but that is because they are already hired, at any moment they leave.

- Do you consider yourself Mexican?

Do you consider yourself Hispanic? Do you consider yourself American?

It is something where, for example, my parents are both Mexican,

I feel more Mexican than American

because that's the culture, that's what my parents taught me, right?

When we arrived at the house, they did not speak English, they spoke Spanish.

And also, my mom taught us to be very proud of where we are,

but when we go to Mexico, we are Americans,

so we are 'Chicanos',

We are not from here and we are not from there, right?

Folks, we are right now on the edge of the LA River

and we have chosen this area

to talk to you about a topic directly related to the 'Chicano' identity,

but not from today, but from a few decades ago.

In the past, the word 'Chicano' was associated with delinquency,

was related to the Los Angeles gangs.

That has changed over the years

and today it is more of a cultural expression.

Now, what we want to know is,

how dangerous is East Los Angeles still?

It's not an easy life in that sense.

I grew up in the center, where we lived pure brown,

and we were the only Mexican family on that block where there were only browns.

I was there in front when they put the gun to my dad's head,

when they were trying to rob us, I was just a kid, you know?

We grew up in that environment

and that's why the gangs were born,

because among ourselves we said: "Okay, are you Mexican? Are you 'Chicano'?"

Well, f*ck it.

"We are inside a sea of ​​only browns,

maybe if we get together three, four, five people,

maybe they don't intimidate us every day...

They're going to intimidate us anyway,

but maybe it won't be every day...",

Because I really grew up going to school,

because I was walking to school,

I had to decide: "Okay, if I walk down this block, these b*stards are going to attack me.

If I go this other block, these b*stards are going to attack me...",

they knew that my parents could not go to the police, they were immigrants.

And that's how we lived, my dad didn't talk to the police

because we were Mexicans, they were immigrants.

If we went to the police, immigration would arrive, and then what?

Folks, another thing that is also directly related to Chicano culture,

unfortunately this has to do with many years ago, it is the gangs.

What Andy told us,

this is the mark that the gangs draw around the whole city

to mark their territory.

In fact, some of the neighbors, even if they don't want that to be seen in their houses,

are forced to have to paint those marks

because the gangs pass and mark over and over again.

The gang thing is part of the culture here,

that will never change.

It can be said and some will contradict me, that's fine,

but Los Angeles invented what gang culture is.

If you go to Salvador,

if you go to any other country,

they have a gang influence that was born here in Los Angeles.

♪♪♪

Another way of expressing Chicano art, Andy was telling us,

has a story, let's say,

begins linked to the culture of gangs and crime,

and the prisoners begin to find activities to distract themselves such as painting.

Then the tattoos are born and from the tattoos came the murals,

and this is something very characteristic especially here in the Boyle Heights area,

where you will find many murals

and the curious thing is that they are all always related to the religious field.

There will be a Virgin of Guadalupe, a Saint Cecilia,

because they are also quite devout and very religious, they have told us.

People painted their stories with ink,

if a b*stard k*lled a b*stard, that guy painted himself a teardrop,

if he k*lled two people, that guy painted himself two teardrop...

And so it began, a b*stard arrived, he had a story, his mother died...

"Hey, paint my mom here...",

whatever you want to represent on the outside, you know what I mean?

But it is beautiful.

For me tattoos...

A lot of people don't like them, but I love them.

I don't have many tattoos, but the race I know, who have them from head to toe,

it's their story.

If you go and look at their tattoos from one side to the other,

you look at the story of that person in the tattoos, you know what I mean?

And that is beautiful.

Folks, obviously if we're going to tour East LA

and delve a little deeper into the whole culture,

we had to come eat something delicious

and what better than some tacos.

We have come here to 'Taquería El Momo' which they say is very famous,

it is not that they say it, it is very famous.

In fact, it has even been featured in Netflix documentaries.

and we are going to taste some tasty carnitas tacos.

That's true, so much so, Andy and Ernie had told us,

they are so famous and are so delicious

that right now it is noon and everything is almost over.

All production is almost finished, everything is prepared for the next day

and everything ends almost at noon.

That's true, the tacos are about to finish and it's 1:00 p.m.

Luckily we arrived on time.

You have to prepare it.

Add a bit of sauce, whatever you like...

You turn your head to the side...

I have my story eating tacos too,

it's not my first time.

What a taste, OMG!

This tastes so good, but this is a fire.

Good thing it's a little cold because this tastes great.

The whole family is from Guanajuato,

they are all from Guanajuato.

My mother is the daughter of my grandfather who is the one who started it all

and we all grew up here.

Everyone since we were little, I worked with my grandparents,

we helped them, we went to factories...

We are all family and we all do the same.

You guys, don't miss out...

You guys will not regret, come and try the famous 'Carnitas El Momo',

because you will love them.

That's a promise!

It has to be said, it's true,

I have devoured these carnitas tacos, the most delicious I have tasted in my life,

they taste so delicious, seriously.

- Thank you, Giselle. - Thank you, guys.

Folks, another of the iconic points of East LA is this restaurant

that you see behind me, which is called 'Los 5 Puntos',

it's a mexican restaurant

but what is special about it?

For example, it appeared in a movie called 'Blood for Blood',

the protagonist leaves this place,

when he sees the pine behind me,

he already knows he's in East Los Angeles

and this is as a reference of this place,

that's why this restaurant is so famous.

- I mean, it feels like home. - Exactly.

When he comes to this restaurant and he sees the pine tree, he feels at home.

But here, for example, that we are in 'Los 5 Puntos' restaurant,

we have something very curious to tell and it is that they say...

They assure that their food is so delicious that they have guaranteed satisfaction,

if not, they give you your money back.

Look at this, for example, you will find magazines in Spanish on the street,

like this one, for example, which is from classifieds.

I mean, if you're suddenly looking for a place to rent a house, a lawyer, a job...

That's what these little newspapers are for, right?

Because they are classified newspapers.

- Of course, what we see, for example, in other parts of the United States,

it can be some newspaper in English,

in all of East Los Angeles, practically what we see are newspapers in Spanish.

- And that's free.

For free!

As a 'Chicano', do you have to speak Spanish or not necessarily?

I didn't learn good English until I was 10 years old,

10 or 12 years, I understood it a little.

So the other children laughed at me, discriminated against me,

the same thing happened with my brothers.

- Were you born here in the United States? - Yeah.

You were born in the United States, but you speak Spanish as your native language,

that's interesting.

My mom wouldn't let me speak English at home, she told me:

"At school, they will teach you English there,

there you will speak all the English you want...",

if I gave her an answer in English, she would tell me:

"I didn't understand you at all, please, repeat it again...

I didn't understand you at all".

Here if you know the history of California, it was Mexico,

it was Mexico long before the United States.

So really, all that nonsense about you not being Mexican, it's nonsense,

because really Los Angeles is called Los Angeles for that reason,

because it was Mexico before.

I understand too, you know?

Because I didn't really grow up speaking Spanish,

I learned it and I know Spanish because my mom is the only thing that spoke to me, Spanish.

She said: "I came here to the United States to work,

I didn't come here to learn English, I came to work...",

so she never learned,

never even bothered.

She didn't even want to learn, she never told us: "Hey, you have to learn...",

she just dedicated herself to work and that was it.

But it's something beautiful,

it's something nice and it's something that allows you to earn money, why not?

You know what I mean?

Why not?

Folks, look, we are now on one of the main avenues in East Los Angeles

and you can realize how important it is

and how the Latino presence is so strong in this entire sector.

On this avenue, practically all businesses are in Spanish

and not only that, but the vast majority of restaurants

that there are in this area are Mexicans.

Like the one you can see, for example, here behind me,

it's called 'Simons' Mexican restaurant.

Now, it's not only that, but the music, of course,

a while ago we were listening to Vicente Fernández

and now we are listening to Paulina Rubio.

Folks, here is something curious,

we are practically like in the downtown,

in the downtown of East LA, could be considered.

Unlike downtown Los Angeles, however,

where you will see an exorbitant amount of h*meless,

not here, that doesn't happen here.

We were talking to Andy

and he told us that here the pride of the Mexican, of the immigrant,

is that you will not see him begging for money or food in the street,

they are here ready to work.

It does not matter if they have to take their products outside,

they offer the services and products they have, but with work.

And that's a good thing, because we're here and we don't see h*meless,

they are all businesses of working people.

I mean, a lot of the music we listen to today, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg...

Any rapper, their music or Hip-Hop is born from here, from all of this.

A lot of the songs inspired by, like you mentioned, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre,

they have a base of music from the 70s, from the 60s, a lot of Motown...

So here you can see records of that style, right?

Like, for example, this one here from Jermaine,

there are few people who know all the songs in the world, right?

There are millions, but if you stop to investigate,

you will see that many of the inspirations for current music come from there.

- Why is this place so famous?

Why is this label so famous?

There are no record labels like these anymore, that's first.

Second, they still have collections and music that you can't find anywhere else,

you can still find vinyl and that's rare.

You will find on the internet, let's say, something more commercial.

Now we say something more 'Underground',

you can find it here.

My mom cleaned the house every Sunday listening to her music,

that was how I learned Mexican music.

I grew up listening to Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, all of that,

but I didn't know anything about that,

when my mom would put me to clean every Sunday,

I had to clean, but listening to her music,

listening to Juan Gabriel, listening to 'Los Cadetes',

and I just listening to that music,

without knowing that one day I was going to appreciate all that music.

Nobody remembers the 'Jilgueros del Arroyo', but I do, due to those times,

while I cleaned, my mom played that music.

These shirts, right? They're just like the ones Andy is using,

they are just like the ones Ernie is using...

I mean, they dress like this,

they have a stereotype of clothing,

so much so that they have their own clothing brand.

You not only find music records and clothes in this store,

but also art things or even magazines,

like the one over there that says 'Chingón The Magazine'.

I mean, I love the mix they do between...

'Chingón' is something very Mexican.

I mean, it's a word that is used in Mexico basically, not in any other country.

and 'magazine' which is an American word.

I mean, the mix, the fusion is great.

Do you struggle to be like...

"I'm Chicana, but I'm also American, but...

Americans don't understand..."

You know, I mean, yes, I was born in America, but I am Latin.

I'm a 'Latina'.

And I'm proud to be a Latina, you know?

I mean, my name is Adriana Reyes, you know?

Not everybody wants to accept where they came from

or where your parents were born from.

My mom was born in Mexico, she was brought here as a little girl, you know?

And still till today she still struggled with that like...

And I said: "Mom, when you came here...

Yes, grandma brought you here and you were born...

I mean, you were born from Mexico, but now you're in American".

You know?

We learned that the race being from Los Angeles,

being bald, that the race was going to say: "You are a 'cholo'...",

Southern, you know what I mean?

They were going to put us in a 'Cholo Rap' box,

that's what they call it, or Gangsta rap.

That's why we make the band,

we do the cumbia, we do salsa, we do what we want,

because in that sense we are also saying 'F*ck you'

to the whole race that they put us in a box, you know what I mean?

To all the Americans, bl*cks who say: "No, you are Mexicans,

you guys should make this kind of music...",

there is racism in that sense,

where Latinos, Mexicans... I feel that they don't value us,

they don't even look at us as music.

A lot of race, we have gone to Miami, to Universal Music,

there where Latin music is controlled, you know?

Shakira, everything comes from there, it doesn't come from here, it comes from there,

we went there and they laughed at our music, they laughed.

What's that? Hip-Hop music with a band?

What's that? You know what I mean?

- We are going to sue the music companies of Miami

because we practically come from Miami

and we listen to your music.

And it's not that I have anything against Miami,

but that's where I&E is and all those record labels,

so we went with our music, like we went here,

but there they laughed at us.

The music was totally out of this world,

Not just from another country, you know what I mean?

So all that also gives me motivation.

And that's it, you know what I mean?

That's all the motivation I need, compas...

Keep talking.

Folks, look, it all starts in this place,

with that sign that you see behind me for East Los Angeles

and it is right here, on this street,

where the famous 'Lowriders Cruising' takes place,

those beautiful, classic cars that have been upgraded

and evolved like Ernie's.

The problem is that nowadays the police are putting a lot of restrictions on them.

This has been around since the 60s and 70s.

there has always been a period where they put a stop to it,

they fight it and again they put a stop to it,

they fight it and again they stop it.

So it's a battle that never ends.

Unfortunately in this video we will not be able to enjoy one of those 'cruising'

because they are meeting only some Sundays and some Saturdays.

However, Ernie showed us how his beautiful car works...

- It's a Cadillac, right? - It's an Impala.

His beautiful Impala.

This is a 65 Chevy Impala Super Sport convertible

with a 327 engine dual exhaust setup from back, side to side.

- I can show you how that works. - Sure.

So, here's the controller...

and this is basically, you go up, down, I could go side to side.

So with this one I can control the front.

My family and I, we did the air ride, I put a stump system,

I did the trunk kit, I can show you the engine.

Nothing special, it's something simple.

I'll upgrade an alternator, do a batteries, front disc brakes,

but it was fully restored, like the paint job and the interior was done.

So after I purchased it,

I could probably save roughly around another $10,000 to $15,000 USD invested in the car.

Lowriding has drastically changed,

from when I was a young teenager cruising 'Whittier Boulevard'

it was more known for gang members and girls,

it was either you were going to get into a gangfight

or you going to pick up the girls.

It's a culture now, it's a lifestyle.

It's not about your race or ethnicity,

it's what kind of car you got.

"Can I see it? Show me what you did to it."

It's helped a lot of people.

It's help myself, it's kept me out of trouble,

get me walk in a straight line, you know?

I love going to work because now I make money, not just for my family,

but to put more money into my car.

August 29, 1969 is remembered as the date of the largest Chicano Moratorium,

more than 20,000 Mexicans / Americans protested in defense of their rights.

Let's see, guys, we meet now

in one of the probably most important places in the history of the 'Chicano' movement,

the church that you see behind me, which is the church of the Epiphany,

plays a very important role in the history of the 'Chicano' movement.

From its beginnings this church was a shelter for many immigrants,

until in the 1960s it was directly related

with the support of the rights of the 'Chicano' community.

Here personalities and activists like César Chávez,

Dolores Huerta and Rosalio Muñoz,

so much so that in the basement of the church a clandestine newspaper was printed at the time

which was called 'La Raza'.

Indeed, as Andrés said,

this church took a leading role in defending the rights of the 'Chicano' community,

but what were they really trying to defend?

What rights were those who felt they were not being valued?

And it is precisely the Mexican immigrants who came here

and that they had their children in this country,

that they were American by birth,

they were not considered by society in the same way.

I mean, they were paid in a different way,

they did not have the same rights as any other American person.

However, when the Vietnam War began

is when they start recruiting these sons of immigrants

to go to the front line of the war.

And that was what they were trying to defend,

I mean, if they weren't considered first class citizens,

like all americans,

why did they have to defend a land that discriminated against them?

One of the places thing started,

when I had just finished being student body president at UCLA

and the guy that helped me get elected, and he really was the lead organizer, I was...

He asked me at the beginning, when I decided to refuse induction,

I was called to go to war,

the day to report was 'Mexican Independence Day'

and I thought: "Because of it it's a very symbolic day,

if I refuse then, it'll be real big

and it'll help increase Chicano anti-war participation,

and growth overall is movement for the people".

These are from a group of undocumented 'Latinos / Mexicans',

that was organized by this guy, but...

A month and a half before the moratorium the Police murdered,

by mistake, they said, some immigrant workers

and stuffed in a hotel room, in a dirty place in Skid Row.

And already became a big exposure by Ruben Salazar, the reporter.

So they marched in a march,

but there was already a group organizing undocumented

to be part of the whole movement.

And that was a very significant thing of that that happened.

The future 'Chicano'.

For me, well, the limitations that existed when I grew up no longer really exist,

those limitations for my daughters, for my sons, that existed, I believe they no longer exist.

I look at those walls like that, like walls, in that sense,

they really don't have excuses anymore.

We did have excuses: "Every day they persecute me...",

"Let be quit", you know what I mean?

Just quit on life and be like: "All right, f*cked, I'm just become a 'cholo',

and r*b people, and k*ll people, and end up in jail...", right?

They said that three things could happen to you.

1. You are going to become a thief and they are going to k*ll you.

2. You are going to sell dr*gs.

3. You will end up in jail.

But a life where you could say: "I'll be a teacher...",

that didn't exist when I grew up.

But in that sense, everything is very different.

To my sons and my daughters that's all I tell them.

That's all they know, like: "You're going to college..."

Period.

You have to honor the past...

Be faithful to the present...

And have faith and hope in the future.