Originally reported by Sandra Iveth Santos of KION 46 News.
Chicanos, born in the U.S. but of Mexican descent, often face discrimination. Despite this, new generations proudly embrace their dual heritage, decades after the Chicano Movement.
Chicanos struggle with belonging, navigating between their U.S. birthplace and Mexican ancestry.
Jalissa Anguiano, a third-generation Chicana, grew up immersed in Mexican culture. While she felt at home among Mexican students in elementary school, high school brought mixed emotions. “High school was different because there were more Americans, and they didn’t see me as Chicana because I’m very light-skinned,” she said.
To preserve Chicano culture in small communities, Karen Mary Davalos, a Latino/Chicano Studies professor at the University of San Francisco, curated an exhibit of 100 Chicano artworks from the Durón Family Collection. This collection, featuring contemporary pieces and ’70s paintings, is showcased at the Monterey Museum of Art.
Davalos highlights that Chicano art captures the experience of growing up in isolation, blending traditional American art with vibrant Mexican influences.
The 1960s Chicano movement, sparked by student protests against educational disparities, continues to inspire today’s Chicanos and Latinos in their fight for racial equity.
Carlos Cortez, a Chicano artist in Monterey County, embraces his Mexican roots and identity. He explains how the term “Chicano” evolved from a negative label to a source of pride. “It used to be derogatory, but people started to embrace it. Being Chicano means you’re a ‘little Mexican,’ not just Mexican,” he said.
Despite greater recognition from the broader population, Chicanos still face language barriers that can create distance within their families. “When I was younger, people called me güera, pocha, and I’d respond, ‘I’m just like the rest of you,'” shared Emily Morales, executive founder of Artist Ink in Salinas.
Emily expresses her culture through theater, though early in her career she was often cast in roles tied to her Hispanic heritage. Today, more local artists are finding spaces to express their Chicano identity.
“We’ve used the term Chicano to describe our experiences as both Mexican and American. Ultimately, we are more American because we are from the Americas,” Carlos added.
In Monterey County, 60% of the population identifies as Hispanic, with 6% identifying as multiracial Hispanics. This vibrant culture is visible in the region’s streets and walls. Hispanic children born in Monterey County now represent over 71% of the population, a number that continues to grow.
