This video published by PBS Austin gives an account of the Chicano movement starting post World War II. In this video, many activists and politicians active in El Movimiento speak on their experiences in the changing social and political sphere of the Chicano community. After World War II, Mexican soldiers returning to the United States expected fairer treatment under the government, but the U.S. government still worked against them in every way. Through louder and more frequent calls for Chicano visibility in the United States, specifically in the political scene, Chicano leaders slowly began to rise up. This specific source is important because these are direct histories from the participants themselves. It is important that these sources are preserved to further push the visibility of the Chicano community in the United States.
When you look at the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, it is impossible to do so without emphasizing the importance of voting rights. One issue brought up continuously in the video is the lack of Latino voters, regardless of their eligibility. These activists worked to register Latino voters and fight for Chicano visibility. Once the first Latinos were sworn into office, Chicanos were able to see themselves reflected in government positions and push for rulings such as the 1975 Voting Rights Act Extension and Expansion to make voting accessible for the whole community. It is important to hear the histories of El Movimiento and understand how the Chicano movement is ongoing. Even with significant victories, like the 1975 ruling, there is always more work to do, more progress to make in moving towards a more just society.