The Chicano Blowouts of 1968

50 years ago, a group of students in East L.A. led a series of walkouts that resulted in change to the education system that many thought was impossible. The 1968 Chicano Blowouts changed the lives of students everywhere.

Join Professor Isidro Ortiz of the Department of Chicana/o Studies at SDSU for a stimulating discussion about the rise and legacy of this student movement that fought for educational justice and against unequal conditions and racism in Los Angeles high schools.

Registration encouraged.  Please scroll down.

The Chicano Blowouts were one of the great mass mobilizations of the Chicano Movement.  Many of the student organizers would later serve as leaders in the Chicano Moratorium of the early 1970s. The Blowouts inspired protests using similar tactics in the 1990s and 2000s against punitive anti-immigration bills in California, Arizona and the US Congress; and in support of the Cesar Chavez holiday in 2007.

Dr. Ortiz teaches in the Department of Chicana/o Studies at San Diego State University. His areas of research include community organization, educational reform, Chicana/o politics, political movements, educational practice, policy and reform, college student retention, engagement and success; origins and persistence of Chicano nationalism and relationship to oppression. During his long term tenure at SDSU he has mentored countless students toward achievement and excellence. 

Presented in conjunction with the 2018 One Book One San Diego selection March by Congressman John Lewis, the last living giant of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Parking is underground and free with 2-hour validation. The Central Library is one block from the Park & Market stop on the Trolley Blue and Orange lines.  Bus routes 11 stops right in front of the library.