Community events to mark the 54th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium

Events in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles are set to mark the 54th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium starting this weekend.

On August 29, 1970, nearly 30,000 people marched through the streets of East L.A. in one of the largest Mexican-American anti-war protests at the time. The protest quickly turned violent when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies arrived. Several people were injured and three were killed, including journalist Rubén Salazar.

Here’s how the community will honor one of the most significant events in L.A.’s Chicano and Latinx history:

Centro CSO’s 54th Chicano Moratorium

Centro CSO (Community Service Organization), a grassroots civil rights group, is hosting the 54th Annual Chicano Moratorium at Ruben F. Salazar Park, formally Laguna Park, the site where protesters and law enforcement first clashed in 1970. The free event will feature food, speakers and musical performances by Los Magos and Kozmik Force. Find more information on Centro CSO’s Instagram here.

‘A World of Peace’

The 50th Chicano Moratorium Committee is hosting ‘A World of Peace,’ a celebration to honor the historic event. The commemorative gathering will take place at East Los Angeles College. Catch speakers and musical performances by Los Jornaleros del Norte, Jesus “Chuy” Perez- Danza Divina, Officially Frosty- Scrizzy Santana, and Cui Cui Rangel and Her Ensemble. 

The free event will have food and resource booths. Capacity is limited. Visit the event page for more information.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
East Los Angeles College – G3 Auditorium
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, Ca 91754

Chicano Moratorium Q&A: ‘A Woman Named Gloria’

Following a showing of the play ‘A Woman Named Gloria,’ speakers will join in a Q&A session on the Chicano Moratorium at CASA 0101 Theater. Moderated by playwright Josefina López, the session will feature activist and co-founder of the Brown Berets Carlos Montes, activist and playwright Maria M. Martínez and activist, artist and member of the 50th Anniversary Chicano Moratorium Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin. ‘A Woman Named Gloria’ written by Lopez, tells the story of the trailblazing Eastside politician Gloria Molina. Tickets for the play can be purchased here.

Sunday, Sept. 1
CASA 0101 Theater
2102 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033