As the movement toward immigration reform
has finally, once again, come to the forefront of important political issues I
recalled having read Chicano Manifesto,
the comprehensive history of the Chicano movement in the 1970s as studied and
lived by its author, Armando Rendon. Upon
rereading it I am even more convinced than I was when I first read it decades
ago that there is no better reference material available for politicians,
professors, teachers, students and supporters of immigration and the Chicano movement
than Chicano Manifesto.
Seldom in historical research are we able
to find available for comparison with current events such an excellent, decade’s
old, microscopic analysis as author Rendon’s
Chicano Manifesto.
It is indeed unfortunate that as we compare
the excellent road map provided by Rendon in Chicano Manifesto over forty years ago with that which has occurred
in the decades since that the movement has time and time again been met with numerous
obstructions and unfortunate detours along the route he suggested— yet
heartening that finally there isa brightening light at the end of the very
lengthy tunnel.
I suggest that unless one reads Chicano Manifesto and compares it to the
current interest in immigration reform it is not possible to fully comprehend
how far along Rendon’s Chicano Manifesto
road map the movement has come.
Thank you, Armando, for having taken the
time and effort to write and publish Chicano
Manifesto.