55 Years Later: Honoring The Chicano Moratorium And Its Modern Parallels

The Chicano Moratorium remains a powerful symbol of resistance and unity.

This month, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors commemorated the 55th anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium, a historic protest against the Vietnam War's disproportionate impact on Latino communities.

The motion drew striking parallels between the injustices of 1970 and the current wave of immigration raids under the Trump administration. Since June, over 8,500 arrests have been made in Southern California, disproportionately affecting Latino and immigrant families.

The motion highlighted how these actions echo the cycles of profiling and exclusion that the Chicano Moratorium sought to challenge.

Supervisor Hilda Solis, who authored the motion, emphasized the importance of protecting journalists covering these events, referencing the legacy of Rubén Salazar, a journalist killed during the 1970 protest.

The motion also called for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to review its use-of-force policies and ensure the safety of reporters. Solis underscored the ongoing relevance of the Moratorium’s fight against systemic injustices, pointing to the rise in racial profiling, housing cuts, and immigration enforcement as stark reminders of the work still needed to achieve equity and justice.

Preparations are also in full swing for the 55th annual Chicano Moratorium, set to take place on Saturday, August 30, at Ruben F. Salazar Park in East Los Angeles.

The Chicano Moratorium remains a powerful symbol of resistance and unity, drawing attention to systemic inequities faced by Latino communities. This year’s event will feature a march and community gathering, continuing the tradition of advocacy and remembrance. Stay tuned for updates as the event approaches!

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