The Chicana “Flower of Aztlan”

By Ernestina Garcia

The Chicana is indeed the flower of Aztlan because she is the most beautiful woman. She has an expansion of universal benevolence which comes from her soul. She is like a star which fills the hearts of our Raza movement. She can make the future of La Raza so astonishingly strong with her own strength.

Many Chicanos seem uncomfortable with the prospect of seeing Chicanas actively involved. Both our married and single Chicanas spend valuable time and energy trying to resolve the conflict they see between just being involved for their own personal satisfaction and the idea that they are involved to show the male that they too can be involved.

With the Chicana lies tremendous potential for commitment to serious struggle. With her participation, if we eliminate all the obstacles our movement will take speed and strengthen to a fantastic degree.

The Chicana recognizes that it is very important for our movement that men, women and children work together with mutual respect in all efforts related to our movement. Our Children are precious not just because they are our but because they are an expression of our people and valuable to the struggle for social justice in the United States.

The Chicana feels that without the recognition of all La Raza our movement will greatly suffer. It is important that she be considered in decision making, with due respect when offers opinions. Chicanas must be and will be fairly represented on planning committees, in workshops discussion groups as leaders and as spokeswomen for La Raza.

Most Chicanas want to have equal access to higher education in whatever field of endeavor that interests them. This means that if Chicanas want to become engineers or neurosurgeons they should be encouraged in every way. While being good wives and mothers in the tradition of our people, Chicanas also want to use their intelligence skillfully to strengthen and benefit all La Raza.

The Chicana is not saying she wants to be part of the White Woman’s Liberation. The White Woman’s Liberation does not attract most Chicanas because they realize the nature of the struggle for all Raza people and choose to struggle alongside their men.

Dated: September 10, 1976

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