Preservation Austin and the Austin History Center welcome community members to this oral history workshop for individuals who participated in or have memory of Community Activism during the 1970s Chicano Movement in East Austin. The Economy Furniture Strike, colloquially known as the “Austin Chicano Huelga”, was the initial spark of the Chicano movement in East Austin that birthed a generation of Chicano politicians and activists. The strike, starting in 1968, was a three-year struggle by a majority Chicano labor force to advocate for their right to organize into a Union, Local 456. The strike ended in 1971, culminating in a massive support rally attended by Cesar Chavez, a victory for union recognition, and the formation of a network of community activists that advocate for East Austin to this day.
Participants will learn how to conduct oral histories for their families and friends, with an option to sign up and be interviewed about their experiences during this time in Austin’s history. (Participants will be signing up to be interviewed on a separate day) Participants will learn how to conduct an oral history interview with the same professionalism and skills that historians use. The group workshop will inform members of the community how to ask historical questions, and how to conduct a great oral history interview!
Preservation Austin is working to document historic places that tell the history of the Austin Chicano Huelga and the larger Chicano Movement. Participants will contribute by learning to document and preserve Chicano history by recording the stories and lived experiences of East Austinites who took part in 1970s Chicano Activism.
THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE:
- Austin Activist Social Hour (Coffee provided)
- Presentation on the available history of the Austin Chicano Huelga
- How to conduct an Oral History presentation and Group Workshop
Family Archival Kits will be available to those who want one (resources relevant to the preservation of family archival materials) .