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The
Philosophy of
Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán
Preface
Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A) hereby establishes
the following principles based on our knowledge, ideas and opinions to
enhance the progress of M.E.Ch.A. In order to have an understanding of
M.E.Ch.A., we bring forth this document to guide Mechistas in their
principles, values and conduct.
Historical Foundation
The Chicano Movement of the late 1960's helped spark cultural and
historical pride in our people. Chicanas/Chicanos demanded to be treated
as equals and denounced acculturation and assimilation. Brown pride began
to express itself through poetry, literature, art and theatre. The
contributions of the Chicano Movement are numerous and continue to be very
valuable to our society. Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.)
is a student organization that promotes higher education, cultura, and
historia. M.E.Ch.A. was founded on the principles of self-determination
for the liberation of our people. We believe that political involvement
and education is the avenue for change in our society. In March of 1969,
at Denver, Colorado the Crusade for Justice organized the National Chicano
Youth Conference that drafted the basic premises for the Chicana/Chicano
Movement in
El Plan de Aztlán (EPA). A
synopsis of El Plan stipulates:
1. We are Chicanas and Chicanos of Aztlán reclaiming the land of our
birth (Chicana/Chicano Nation);
2. Aztlán belongs to indigenous people, who are sovereign and not
subject to a foreign culture;
3. We are a union of free pueblos forming a bronze (Chicana/Chicano)
Nation;
4. Chicano nationalism, as the key to mobilization and organization, is
the common denominator to bring consensus to the Chicana/Chicano Movement;
5. Cultural values strengthen our identity as La Familia de La Raza;
and
6. EPA, as a basic plan of Chicana/Chicano liberation, sought the
formation of an independent national political party that would represent
the sentiments of the Chicana/Chicano community.
In April of 1969 over 100 Chicanas/Chicanos came together at UC Santa
Barbara to formulate a plan for higher education:
El Plan de Santa Barbara. With
this document they were successful in the development of two very
important contributions to the Chicano Movement: Movimiento Estudiantil
Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.) and Chicano Studies. The fundamental
principles that led to the founding of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de
Aztlán are found in El Plan de Santa Barbara (EPSB). The Manifesto of EPSB
sees self-determination for the Chicana/Chicano.
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