User:EthnowithKLeo

Alza Tu Voz (Speak Out): From Picket Line to Radio

Summary: Hugo Morales writes about his childhood living on a labor farm in California as a prune picker. His father was an undocumented worker who travelled to California from Mexico. Soon after, Hugo and the rest of the family followed. Hugo writes about the tough labor conditions, long days, and little pay which eventually led to a strike due to them. For instance, families were working with dangerous industrial faming tools, the access to higher education was no option, the wage was below a fair amount, and the only way to leave the farm was to join the army--which wasn't an option for women. Hundreds of families travelled to this labor farm looking for work and only a dozen of them were accepted into this very one. The rest of the families had to continue their search after pouring every last cent into this American dream.

However, music was a uniting force at the farm. Music woke up the workers and brought them together on Sundays. Even though the workers were exhausted, they still found time to play and practice their instruments. Through this experience surrounding music, Hugo learned about and his traditional culture which led him to organize a quest to access public education and transportation. The music at the labor camp also affirmed Hugo’s identity as a Mixteco, Mexican American. Hugo’s experiences inspired him to co-found a nonprofit radio network in 1976 called Radio Bilingue. Knowing that radio is accessible to everyone, Hugo notes that it lends itself to wide participation.

Musical Style and Tradition: The article states that Mixteco folk music is incredibly traditional. A group of Mixteco farm workers banded together to create the first Mexican musical band in North Bay, consisting of violins, guitars, saxophones, trombones, a bass, drums, and an accordion. This music represented the voice of the labor camps and became very important to their culture. This music goes on to help people to find their identity within the Mixteco community.

Music & Migration: This article relates music and migration because even though Hugo and his family left their home in Mexico to come to California, they stayed true to their musical traditions and identity. Hugo found his newly rooted identity, through a mix of his Mexican heritage alongside his journey into the American lifestyle. The music united the Mexican workers on the camp as they were all familiar with accordion border music and traditional mariachi. Even through tough working conditions and little pay, their spirits levied through the power of music. This exemplifies the importance of music and how it was a key contribution to the strikes and eventual work changes in Delano, California.

=== Videos: ===

Songs mentioned from Rolas de Aztlán: Songs of the Chicano Movement:

Del colores: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cq4ZE0bkVo

This song is a folk song, talking about loving all colors, inclusivity, and the happy idea of freedom for everyone.

El picket fence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsnxVnMUwfs&index=5&list=PLXMo5LqHr5D_Fj30kKHPu2WD_nHyQI2TL

This song is about workers social status and the fact that they have to keep fighting for their rights and ideals for a better, equal life.

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These are the well known, great artists that the workers loved to listen to. These artists only came to perform in their areas 3 times a year at local theaters. Their performances were something they looked forward to, and something they wouldn't want to miss out on.

Jose Alfredo Jimenez - Me Equivoque Contigo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh6P2apnFZg

Juán Mendoza -La Noche De Mi Mal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asoeWHduv4o