Ethnic Community Builders: Mexican-Americans in Search of Justice and Power--The Struggle for Citizenship Rights in San Jose, California Review

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(More customer reviews)Professors Jimenez, Garcia and Garcia have collected 14 reflective memory, oral narratives of leaders who are widely-recognized and highly- regarded across the San Jose, California region. The leaders range from college students, professionals and grass-roots community organizers who during the 1960-2000 era, shaped the self-image of a community which grew from referring to itself the "Mejicano community" to the "Mexican American and Chicano Community". These leaders helped an ethnic community move from self-help and mutual benefit clubs to a variety of powerful civil rights groups involved in social, political, religious, legal and educational reform advocacy.
Each leader tells her or his story beginning with childhood and how the cultural influence of their humble families formed their values and aspirations. They go on to discuss the social and educational experiences, both fair and unfair, which motivated them to become advocates for equal treatment and justice for their ethnic families and neighborhoods and ultimately, for their entire cities and regions.
This valuable book preserves the history of a community and describes how today's San Jose region came to be. Youngsters who currently live in these communities can learn how these leaders began in circumstances and social conditions just like their own and other youngsters can understand how it feels to come from a different background. All readers can learn, specifically and in great detail, how these leaders lifted not just themselves, but also their communities. More mature readers can reflect on the values, beliefs and lessons that these leaders as a cultural group, ask them to pass on to the next generation.
This book is not just about the past. It is important to the future. In California, Mexican Americans will be the largest ethnic group by the year 2040. At that time, there will be no one majority culture and this book can contribute to helping all groups understand each other as they work together for common goals based on common values.
Ramon J. Martinez Ph.D.


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Ethnic Community Builders: Mexican-Americans in Search of Justice and Power is an oral history of Mexican-American activism in San José, California, over the last half century. The authors present interviews of 14 people of various stripes--teachers, politicians, radio personalities--who have been influential in the development of a major urban center with a significant ethnic population. These activists tell the stories of their lives and work with engaging openness and honesty, allowing readers to witness their successes and failures. This vivid ethnography of a Mexican-American community serves as a model for activism wherever ethnic groups seek change and justice.

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