Singing Our Way to Freedom commemorates the life and work of Ramón “Chunky” Sánchez (1951-2016), a leading musician of the Chicano civil rights movement. The lively documentary weaves together narration, interviews, old footage, and even animation to tell Chunky's story and provide a snapshot of the movement that became his life's mission.
Born in the tiny town of Blythe, California, Chunky started out working with his father in the fields, but he knew he wanted something different for his life. At San Diego State University, he found his calling when he began participating in Chicano activism in 1970. Chunky realized his music could be a unifying force for the movement and soon was at the forefront of the Chicano music scene in San Diego.
The concept of Chicano emerged in the civil rights era as a cultural and political identity for Mexican Americans who proudly championed their ethnic and indigenous roots. Chunky's legacy isn't just his beloved protest music that encapsulated the movement, but his inclusivity. Chunky decided to embrace his multicultural identity as a Mexican American rather than choosing between those two identities. His music spoke to others like him who felt caught between two worlds. Chunky believed being Chicano was a "state of the heart" – even those who weren't of Mexican heritage could be Chicano if they were one with the heart of the people and fought for the same freedoms.
Chunky is an engaging figure, warm and likable with an infectious smile. It's not hard to see why so many people connected strongly with him and his music. He wrote and sang from the heart, expressing the joys and sorrows of his community in a way that always sought to uplift and unite. Despite setbacks and hardships, Chunky continued fighting for his fellow Chicanos and their children. Singing Our Way to Freedom is a joyous affair that celebrates Chunky's legacy and the spirit of the Chicano movement, reminding us of the power of music to transform and unite. Recommended. Aud: C, P.