Pix from - “Austin Chicano Huelga & East Austin Chicano Activism” presentation by Matthew Medina (Fowler Family Foundation Underrepresented Heritage Intern at Preservation Austin) —
followed by “Oral History Workshop” by Marina Islas (the Indigenous & Latinx Community Archivist at the Austin History Center).
The Economy Furniture Strike, also known as the “Austin Chicano Huelga”, was the initial spark of the Chicano movement in East Austin that birthed a generation of Chicano politicians and activists.
The strike, starting in 1968, was a three-year struggle by a majority Chicano labor force to advocate for their right to organize into a Union, Local 456. The strike ended in 1971, culminating in a massive support rally attended by Cesar Chavez, a victory for union recognition, and the formation of a network of community activists that advocate for East Austin to this day.
Preservation Austin and the Austin History Center welcomed community members to this oral history workshop for individuals who participated in or have memory of Community Activism during the 1970s Chicano Movement in East Austin.
Both organizations are working to document the history of the Austin Chicano Huelga and the larger Chicano Movement.
Attendees were encouraged to contribute by learning to document and preserve Chicano history by recording the stories and lived experiences of East Austinites who took part in 1970s Chicano Activism.
In this workshop, the organizations shared what they know about Austin’s Chicano Huelga. The public learned how to conduct oral histories for their families, and had an option and sign up to be interviewed later about their experiences during this time in Austin’s history.
Event took place Saturday July 22, 2023 at
Terrazas Branch Austin Public Library 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Text source: Preservation Austin and Austin History Center
More Info-
https://www.preservationaustin.org/.../austinhuelgaoralhi...
https://txarchives.org/utlac/finding_aids/00116.xml
followed by “Oral History Workshop” by Marina Islas (the Indigenous & Latinx Community Archivist at the Austin History Center).
The Economy Furniture Strike, also known as the “Austin Chicano Huelga”, was the initial spark of the Chicano movement in East Austin that birthed a generation of Chicano politicians and activists.
The strike, starting in 1968, was a three-year struggle by a majority Chicano labor force to advocate for their right to organize into a Union, Local 456. The strike ended in 1971, culminating in a massive support rally attended by Cesar Chavez, a victory for union recognition, and the formation of a network of community activists that advocate for East Austin to this day.
Preservation Austin and the Austin History Center welcomed community members to this oral history workshop for individuals who participated in or have memory of Community Activism during the 1970s Chicano Movement in East Austin.
Both organizations are working to document the history of the Austin Chicano Huelga and the larger Chicano Movement.
Attendees were encouraged to contribute by learning to document and preserve Chicano history by recording the stories and lived experiences of East Austinites who took part in 1970s Chicano Activism.
In this workshop, the organizations shared what they know about Austin’s Chicano Huelga. The public learned how to conduct oral histories for their families, and had an option and sign up to be interviewed later about their experiences during this time in Austin’s history.
Event took place Saturday July 22, 2023 at
Terrazas Branch Austin Public Library 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Text source: Preservation Austin and Austin History Center
More Info-
https://www.preservationaustin.org/.../austinhuelgaoralhi...
https://txarchives.org/utlac/finding_aids/00116.xml
© Rene Renteria Photography