Issues & Artists presents inspiration behind HBO's 'Walkout'

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=156&ArticleID=162412&TM=56569.34

1/28/2008 8:21:00 AM

RANDY SARVIS
Contributing Writer

The struggle for equal rights in America has often been advanced through the courageous actions of ordinary individuals. For African-Americans, certainly Rosa Parks comes to mind.

Paula Crisostomo is another such person. Hers is the true story of a defining moment in Chicano history that inspired the HBO movie “Walkout.”



Crisostomo will share her compelling story at Wilmington College Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hugh G. Heiland Theatre. Her appearance is the third program in the 2007-08 Issues & Artists Series. The event is free of charge.

It was as a high school student that Crisostomo stepped into the spotlight of the Chicano struggle for equality and the fight against racism. Appalled at the deplorable quality of the education she was receiving, the young Crisostomo led the largest high school student protest in this country’s history.

In early 1968, Chicano students from five East Los Angeles high schools walked out of their classes as a direct protest against the sub-standard quality of their education. Not only was it the first time Chicano students walked out, but it was also the first major mass protest against racism ever undertaken by Mexican-Americans.


FULL story at link.