Cinco de Mayo in California has evolved and endures as an important reason to celebrate

By Frances J. Vasquez | SCNG Contributing Columnist

During the social and political turmoil of the U.S. Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s, the Cinco de Mayo holiday was a rallying cry for Chicanos and symbolic of resistance to systemic discrimination and oppression of Mexicanos/Latinos giving rise to Chicano power and identity.

Dr. Lily Rivera’s essay, “Cinco de Mayo: A Battle for Recognition” summarizes the basis for the celebrations, “… American citizens who have been marginalized socially and economically...