Through their activism and community engagement, Movimiento Chucanx, a student organization at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), aims to preserve the Chicano reformist zeal of the 1960s. On Feb. 7 members celebrated their first anniversary with a potluck and an emotional look back at their achievements.
Resistance and using one’s voice to speak out against injustice are recurring themes in the classes of Ruby Montana, a Chicano Studies professor at the UTEP. She founded Movimiento Chucanx after noticing that many of her students expressed a desire to get involved in the mobilizations they were studying in class.
Montana is a strong proponent of the idea that knowledge is power, which is why she felt it was important to establish a Chicano space for students both on and off campus. She believes creating a space centered on honoring and embracing “Chicanismo,” could benefit the current generation’s Hispanic community.
“I think sadly, and this is no fault of their own, but for many of us here on the border, our parents were forced to assimilate, give up their roots and only speak English to be more American so that we could ‘prove’ ourselves,” Montana said. “I think being part of [Movimiento Chucanx] is a beautiful and powerful way for them to reconnect with their indigenous roots, with who they are.”
The celebratory event featured photographs and personal stories that recalled the organization’s first year. Members took part in historical walking tours, event tabling, volunteering, a summer camp and marches, including one that was attended by civil rights and labor activist Dolores Huerta.
Valeria Lopez, the organization’s vice president, reflects on everything they have done and says the experiences have been very rewarding.
“I think [the first anniversary] is such a huge achievement for us just because it really shows how far we’ve come,” Lopez said. “Everything that we’ve been fighting for, all the protests, all the speaking up, all the activities and events, really show that all of this really builds up to be one big thing.”
Lopez wanted to make something of her family’s sacrifices, not just acknowledge them. She believes that her participation in Movimiento Chucanx has allowed her to accomplish that.
“I wanted to be able to make [her family] proud and make myself proud for being able to show how proud I am of who I am, my culture and my background,” Lopez said. “That is what has driven me to be the activist that I am now.”
According to Montana, Movimiento Chucanx has survived and thrived because of the members’ shared commitment to change. In 2026, the organization hopes to expand its outreach, increase campus involvement and remain a vocal defender of the Mexican American identity.
“In this era of erasure, it’s more important than ever to remain steadfast and to proclaim we’re not going anywhere,” Montana said. “We’re here, and we’re going to stay here.”
As members commemorate their first year, plans for new projects are already being discussed and promise that there is more to come.
Brisa Silva is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]
