CHICANO! 500 Years of Struggle
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CHICANO! 500 YEARS OF STRUGGLE SING OUT
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Over five hundred years ago, the European invasion of the Indian settlements in the Americas began. In Mexico, the Spaniards seized the land in 1521 enslaving the indigenous people and reducing their population from 30 million to just over 1 million. The Mexican American Civil Rights struggle dates back to that time. Today in places like Chiapas, Mexico, the struggle for rights continues; poverty has driven the indigenous populations to rise up against their government demanding a better way of life. In the United States too, Mexican Americans are organizing to preserve their rights as they combat the anti-immigrant sentiment created by the media and the extreme right. This negative campaign has produced propositions and bills aimed at reducing the rights of Latinos, but especially targeting Mexicans and Central Americans.
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Dolores Huerta
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Using songs and narrative, musical group Alma tells the Mexican Americans' story focusing on their contributions and accomplishments. This program examines Mexican American history to demonstrate how Chicanos were impacted by the turbulent times; it also reveals how they organized themselves to fight against racism and inequality while, at the same time, maintaining their culture and heritage. Against great numbers and in the face of tremendous odds, Mexican Americans have forged a powerful history, one which is replete with struggle.
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| Reies Lopes Tijerina |
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From the indigenous civilizations to Mexican American Independence, from the Mexican American War to the building of the Southwest, from the Great Depression to World War II, and from the Chicano Movement of the 1960s to the Zapatistas of the 1990s, musical group Alma proudly presents CHICANO! 500 YEARS OF STRUGGLE the heroic story of a peoples quest for freedom.
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| Emma Tenayuca |
Alma's music blends Mexican, Latin American, Afro-Cuban, and Folk influences to create a unique sound. Songs are in Spanish and English, featuring original compositions by Agustin Lira, as well as music by authors such as Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, Carlos Puebla, Pedro Flores, Woodie Guthrie and more. Dramatic narratives recount the true stories of heroes such as Juan Cortina, Pancho Villa, Emma Tenayuca, Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Reies Lopes Tijerina, etc.
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| Zapatista EZLN women confront the Mexican military in Chiapas, January 4, 1998. Photo: La Jornada, |
CHICANO! 500 YEARS OF STRUGGLE is performed by three core musicians: Agustin Lira, lead singer and rhythm guitar; Patricia Wells Solorzano, vocals, lead singer, and lead guitar ; Ravi Knypstra, stand-up bass and vocals. One or two guest musicians may also be included in the presentation. The running time is approximately 90 minutes and can be performed in a variety of spaces.
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