To all those that oppose the Chicano Department, I would like to say that you should do some research on the history of the Chicano Movement.
America makes up only 4 percent of the world’s population; however, it uses about 40 percent of the world’s resources.
Do not get me wrong, I do not hate America. I love America, but I hate the corrupt many that control America. Many of the people who are opposed to the Chicano Department do not know that everyday they can function easier because of the Chicano. When I say Chicano, that means Brazilian, Mexican, Spanish, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican and many more.
Chicano is not a race, however. Chicano is a belief. Chicano means pride, dignity, and respect for those that sacrificed so the next generation would not have to endure the slavery. Most Chicanos work in our indigenous countries a full day for less than the average student pays for lunch, $3.50. This is done so we can have our coffee, sugar, gold, diamonds, silver and more. The list goes on and on.
The Chicano Department is a sign of respect for the 30,000 children that die every day, because their parents cannot afford food for their family with the little amount of money they make working to produce coffee, sugar, gold and more in other countries. Furthermore, there is a Chicano Department in almost every college and university in California. There is a Chicano Department in Russia. The first university in North America was established in Mexico in the 1500s.
Are you going to say that the administrations at the colleges and universities in California, with all their knowledge, made the wrong decision? Finally, by 2010 it is projected by the census that 56 percent of California’s college attendees will be of Chicano descent. Supporters know that a Chicano Department at Bakersfield College ensures that the next generation will be more likely to succeed because of the department.
The Chicano Department will ensure that the sacrifices made, and that are being made every day, are never forgotten. We want more classes. We do not want to beg anymore to get into the classes we need. To the administration, why won’t you show Bakersfield College students some respect, and give the English, Math, History and Chicano Department some attention? We are not going to be ignored anymore.
M.E.Ch.A. stands for Movimiento Estudiant°l Chicano de Aztl?n — Movimiento: the movement to educate all people; Estudiant°l: the student organization; Chicano: a name for anyone who wants to fight for equality, education and respect; Aztl?n: a spiritual place of peace, and also the land of our ancestors.
This letter is my opinion and does not represent the opinion of M.E.Ch.A.
Richard Rodriquez
BC M.E.Ch.A. historian