Introduction
In addition, a Timeline takes us through a journey of more than 100 significant national, regional and local events that still impact our lives.
All too often, the stories of San Diego’s Latino culture, challenges and achievements have been forgotten, ignored or untold. Yet we have long been an integral part of American history. That is why we are so proud to share these life-changing stories through the power of multimedia storytelling, as a way to build knowledge, foster understanding and bring people together. This is the inspiration behind the Latino Legacy Foundation’s multimedia online book project, San Diego Latino Legacy—Timeline - Milestones - Stories , with major sponsorship made possible by The San Diego Union-Tribune and the State of California.
Presented as a living multimedia project that will continue to evolve over time, San Diego Latino Legacy is offered free, readily accessible to the public on our website.
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I’m deeply grateful for my colleagues who embraced the vision as founding members of the Latino Legacy Foundation: Maria Nieto Senour, PhD., Richard Ybarra, George Saldamando, Ricardo Flores, Joe Martinez and Edward Lopez.
Our goal was as simple as it was complex — remember our history and celebrate our accomplishments.
Told in a three-part series, San Diego Latino Legacy is an overview of our history. It chronicles the evolution of our region’s Latino community after the Mexican-American War of 1848, through the nation’s civil rights struggle that gave rise to the 1960s Chicano movement, and current momentous events that define the influential role of Latinos today in contemporary America. These stories come to life through a series of personal video interviews with individuals who made history and continue to make history, as well as their descendants who keep their legacies alive. We’re grateful for their contributions, as well as those of the region’s prominent Latino professors from San Diego State University, UC San Diego and University of San Diego who presented the chapter eras and their insight.
Gain understanding into those who persevered to build better lives for their families and community.
Share in their sense of pride and feel their triumphs, large and small.
And meet our young, passionate leaders who are ready to take up the torch.
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This is our gift to the community, made possible through the generous donations of our sponsors who partnered with us to advance our collective goal of embracing diversity and cultural inclusion.
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In our first installment, we traced our roots, identified our struggles to assimilate, and highlighted our military service to America. (Released October 14, 2021)
Share in our history, our people, our culture, our journey.
In this second installment, we focus on the rise and the legacy of the Chicano Movement, through the awe-inspiring stories of those who had the courage to fight for equality in our schools, communities and workplaces.
Celebrate with us.
Maria Velasquez President & Chair Latino Legacy Foundation June 16, 2022
We also explore the Movement’s cultural renaissance, the creative expression of our culture through the arts and performing arts. (Released June 16, 2022)
Our third installment, coming in the Fall 2024, will include our challenges and achievements from the 80s into the 21st century, as well the impact of the COVID 19 global pandemic of 2020; one of the most challenging times for our nation and our Latino communities.
Editor’s Note: Updated: April 2, 2024
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Introduction
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