Chicano Movement

The Chicano Movement was a political and social movement formed in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s to advocate for economic, social, and legal equality for Latinos and Latino Americans. Significant leaders included Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and Rosalio Munoz, who helped organize both national and local advocacy groups to form labor unions and associations and, significantly, to register voters. Tens of thousands of people joined the movement, attending rallies, participating in strikes, and organizing political action efforts. The Chicano Movement resulted in labor and social reforms that improved working conditions and access to civil rights for Latinos in America. It also forced a national discussion on racism and discrimination and established an active and engaged bloc of voters with significant political influence.