Before the 1960s, Latinos were ignored as a political force—subject to segregation, voter suppression efforts (like the poll tax), and attempts to marginalize would-be voters through gerrymandered districts. During the Great Depression, many Latinos were deported; in short, there was no representation, which Latinos accepted as a fact of life. However, after World War II many returning Hispanic GIs saw the need to change their second-class status. Filmmaker Hector Galán's PBS-aired documentary, narrated by Luis Valdez, centers on the groundbreaking efforts of Willie Velasquez, who—adopting the cry "your vote is your voice"—mounted voter registration efforts in Hispanic communities. Velasquez, whose mother toiled in a sweatshop, was naturally drawn to politics, securing an internship in Washington D.C., thanks to help from Hispanic political pioneer Congressman Henry Gonzalez, who served as a mentor. The 1960s was a time that saw the California farm workers strike, growing cultural awareness, and a generational gulf between the older generation and the new Latino activists. This gulf would lead to a rupture of Velasquez's friendship with Gonzalez, who eventually denounced his protégé and others as divisive "voices of hatred." The documentary looks at late ‘60s Latino student walkouts, brutal crowd control efforts by local police, and an increasingly successful and sophisticated voter registration movement that progressed from door-to-door canvassing to computers. The film also covers the role of women in the movement, and failed attempts to forge a third political party. Velazquez was a key figure throughout, ultimately dying of advanced liver cancer at the age of 44 while working for Michael Dukakis during the 1988 presidential election. Featuring tributes from activists and former volunteers, this is a worthy tribute to a civil rights pioneer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)
Willie Velasquez: Your Vote Is Your Voice
(2016) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1-62789-912-3. Volume 32, Issue 2
Willie Velasquez: Your Vote Is Your Voice
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