Singing our way to Freedom chronicles the power of music in creating a new identity and sense of belonging among young Chicana and Chicano students during the Civil Rights movement. As a young man in the 1970s, Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez joined the picket lines in California and became Cesar Chavez’s favorite musician. His journey is a remarkable lens on a time when young Mexican Americans/Chicanas/os became inspired by the social and political changes taking place in the country and organized their own communities to take part in this dramatic moment of social change.

Motivated by the cultural practices within his own community, Chunky learned how to employ humor, honesty, and rhythm to galvanize folks to stand up and speak truth to power. He and his peers were transformed from marginalized rural and urban kids into charismatic social activists who mobilized themselves to change the world, reminding us that the battle for freedom has to be fought anew by every generation. Speakers: Paul Espinosa, director and producer, and Dr. Alma Martinez, actress and director.

Director

Paul Espinosa an award-winning Filmmaker and Producer, is the President/CEO of Espinosa Productions, a film and video company specializing in documentary and dramatic films focused on the U.S.-Mexico border region. He has been involved with producing films for over 40 years and is Professor Emeritus in the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University.

DOCS @ LA PLAZA

Challenge for Change: Labor, Environment & Social Change

Challenge for Change, LA Plaza’s documentary film series, explores stories of labor, environment, and social change touching upon themes from identity, gender, food, immigration, art, and politics. Join us for each installment, which includes a discussion with the filmmaker and other guest speakers connected to the film or topic. In addition, join a free tour at 6pm; each tour provided is themed around each film screening. All films are free and presented on Thursday nights unless otherwise noted.