All the way to the bay!
I was fortunate enough to visit this park for the first time on the absolute best day of the year. Not only that, but I was the guest of a local with rich ties to the south bay community. Early, well early for a Saturday morning on our way to the park Gonzalo Quintero explained to me a brief history of the community in which Chicano Park rests. He began with how rezoning laws in the 1950s had placed warehouses next to homes in what was then a part of Logan Heights. A decade later interstate 5 dissected the community, and in 1968 the Coronado Bridge began to further pollute the air and add to the discomfort of the residents. From 1963 to 1973 the population of Barrio Logan as this area became known had decreased from 20,000 to 5,000.
I learned that Chicano Park was where the community began to formally defend its existence and passionately communicate desires to the city council. The history he shared with me that day communicated a story of a community learning to use its voice. I learned of the Brown Berets and the role they played in community organization and pride. By the time we arrived at the park I was ready to soak in the murals. As we pulled into our space, Gonzalo’s brother and family pulled in behind us. After introductions we all began our stroll to the park. This was to set the tone for a day that was full of warm coincidences and family vibes.
From the classic cars, singers, speakers, to the vendors this was…comfort. You can ask my wife, I am not one for crowds but here was like being with family. We set up our tripod and took pictures, ate, mingled, and just felt at home.
The dancers dressed in authentic costumes were the icing on the cake. The power of the drums, the aromatic scent from the incense burners and the vigor among the dancers were incredible. Their contagious energy was quickly transmitted onto the crowd . If you have never been to this park attempt to go on Chicano Park Day…and try to get Gonzalo to take you!
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When is Chicano Park Day?