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Chuy Varela Collection

Jesse “Chuy” Varela is a Bay Area radio host who frequently interviewed political, activist, and labor figures connected to issues affecting Latin and Central American communities. Topics include immigration to the US, the 1994 NAFTA treaty, labor issues such as the activism of Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, and the UFW, and related political developments affecting the region (1994 Mexican election, CA Prop187, Sandinistas, Zapatistas, (EZLN) etc.) and others.

Date Range
Materials range from the mid/late 1970s through the 1990’s, however the bulk of the materials recorded by Chuy span his time as Public Affairs Director at KPFA and are concentrated in the mid 1980s and 1990s.
Keywords
Cesar Chavez
culture
Dolores Huerta
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Sandinistas
United Farm Workers (UFW)
Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN)
Zapatistas

Records

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    Chuy Varela Collection
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    1/4 7 1/2 ips
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Found 1 record

20th Anniversary of the Takeover of Alcatraz

Collection
Chuy Varela Collection
Producers
Chuy Varela
Call Number
CV 036

This is a recording from the 20th Anniversary of the Native American takeover of Alcatraz Island, which originally took place shortly after the state closed the prison facilities. Chuy Varela interviews various people present at this event on their perspectives of this non-traditional Thanksgiving event as a continuation of the Native American struggle under settler colonialism for stewardship over land, resources and culture. Interviewees highlight the growing popularity of the occupation over the years, more international knowledge on Alcatraz and the growth of the American Indian Movement since the beginning. Includes discussion of the increased solidarity demonstrated by indigenous people from across the world, and people of color who share the fight against colonialism and imperialism. Focus on retroactive threats to Indigenous survival across the state, nation and across the world. Many speakers focus on the importance of honoring elders, present and passed away, and supporting the presence of a younger generation of indigenous people. Also includes Native American prayers, chants and flute music, description of sacred circle tradition, the main event of the day focused on spiritual mourning and healing.

All found records shown.