This Saturday marks the 55th annual Chicano Park Day commemoration, an event organized by the Chicano Park Steering Committee, the primary stewards of the park. As multiple generations come together, they continue to build on the legacy of Chicano Park and advocate for the needs of the community. Josephine Talamantes, a co-founder of the park, expressed her excitement about the milestone and highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration: “55 and still Alive”. She emphasized that the work done over the past 55 years has endured, with the park’s beautiful murals reflecting the history of the community. The Chicano Art Museum and Cultural Center plays a significant role in preserving local histories and the legacy of Chicano Park through its archives. Talamantes explained how the archives allow students to conduct research and document the lived experiences of elders for future generations. “We’re all trying to keep the legacy of the community alive because those were our elders,” Talamantes said. The murals in Chicano Park tell stories of the community’s resilience and creativity. Talamantes mentioned that back in the 1970s, before the advent of social media, murals were a crucial medium for sharing their narratives and struggles. Today, local artists are still showcased in exhibitions held at the museum’s gallery every two months, continuing to honor community voices and talents. The historical context surrounding the formation of Chicano Park is rooted in a fight against eminent domain, which led to the displacement of many community members in the 1970s. Community activists, including returning Vietnam veterans and college students, worked diligently to occupy the land. Talamantes shared the impactful story of Mario Solis, whose enthusiasm turned to shock upon learning that the land was to be developed into a parking lot instead of a park. Through the determination of residents who occupied the land for 12 days, the community established the Chicano Park Steering Committee, which successfully negotiated for the space. The ongoing threat of gentrification looms over the neighborhood, with rising rents putting many local businesses at risk. Talamantes pointed out that many long-standing community members still actively engage in maintaining the park and its relevance. The upcoming Chicano Park Day is expected to be a vibrant celebration of the community, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the legacy of Chicano Park. In conjunction with the festivities, the book “Somos Chicanos” will be highlighted, featuring stories from over 80 writers exploring the Chicano experience. Two poets featured in the anthology, Natalia Rivas and Gaby Moreno, will read their work at Chicano Park Day. Brenda Vega, who founded the publishing house Riot of Roses, noted that the book aims to liberate and empower voices, affirming the diversity within the Chicano identity. Rivas, reflecting on her journey as a writer, emphasized the importance of using imagery to connect with people across generations. Moreno mentioned that the collective experience shared within the anthology resonates with many, encouraging future storytelling. The poets expressed their gratitude for the supportive community they found among fellow contributors, noting how these connections inspired them to deepen their own artistic pursuits. As the Chicano Park Day commemoration approaches, community members prepare to celebrate their culture, history, and the enduring legacy of Chicano Park.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/55-and-still-alive-chicano-park-commemorates-over-five-decades-of-resilience
