Los Angeles, CA – Under the slogan “Education not war!” Boyle Heights community members participated in a townhall meeting to commemorate the Chicano Moratorium Day of Resistance. The event was sponsored by California State University, Los Angeles MEChA and the Community Action Taskforce on Chicano Studies Education (CATChE).

The local Ben Franklin Public Library class room was packed with youth and local residents. A photo display with pictures of the original march, rally and the police attack were displayed. People were captivated by the stories of Gloria Arrellanes, Ray Andrade and Carlos Montes, who shared their triumphs and difficulties during the Chicano movement struggle against the Vietnam War.

The August 29, 1970 Chicano Moratorium protest against the Vietnam War took place in East Los Angeles. Over 30,000 Chicanos protested the U.S. war in Vietnam and the high death rate of Chicano youth in that war. Ruben Salazar, KMEX news director, was killed by the Los Angeles sheriffs during the police attack and community rebellion.

During the '60s and '70s the Chicano movement fought for education, against war, for equality and self-determination. The struggle continues today as Latinos, especially immigrants, fight for legalization and are targeted by the military for recruitment to fight in U.S. wars of intervention.

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