Monday, April 13, 2009

University of Arizona's Exhibit: History of Chicano Journalism


The University of Arizona is showcasing Chicano-produced publications in the main library. A group of Mexican American Studies students in UA Professor Roberto Rodriguez's class created the monthlong exhibit, "The History of Red/Brown Journalism & Communications".


The exhibit kickoff was April 7 and included guest speakers, Guadalupe Castillo and Joe Olvera.

Both Chicano and in their 60s, they each shared their stories of struggle and overcoming discrimination while working for Chicano news publications.

Guadalupe worked for Tucson's El Coraje, "The Courage", newspaper in the 1960s.

"We believed that that [mainstream] media was corrupt," said Guadalupe.


El Coraje's last publication was in the 1970s. Due to lack of money, the last publication was not published, Guadalupe said.

"It's better to die standing than live on your knees," she said.


Joe worked for many media outlets in El Paso, Texas, including "The El Paso Reporter" and "El Paso Times," amoung others. He is also the first Chicano T.V. reporter for El Paso in 1971.

"Now I'm the racist," Joe said. "Fine, call me whatever you want but you're reading my stuff...but I'm talking about people, my people, and you better respect."


The following are audio clips from Joe Olvera's presentation:

The Fight for Chicano Professors at Colombia University


Getting Older


The Illegal Aliens Blues - poem by Joe Olvera

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