What does the popular slogan, “Si Se Puede,” mean to you?
That phrase was coined by the U.F.W. (United Farm Workers) organization lead by Cesar. E. Chavez and Dolores Huerta in the 1960’s. At the time, the thought of mobilizing and organizing Mexican farm laborers was considered unrealistic, if not impossible. Laborers were subjected to unfair wages and sub-human working conditions. It was a classic David verses Goliath scenario; a grassroots movement standing up to the collective might of the growers. Through peaceful demonstrations, strikes and boycotts one of the U.F.W’s first victories against the growers was in the Coachella Valley. The U.F.W. was formed in the spirit of the phrase “Si Se Puede.” Through their monumental victories, they gained the right to bargain collectively with the growers in the interest of the farm laborers. It’s a testament to the fact that todo en la vida, con Amor, Fe y Ganas…Si Se Puede! How does music empower Latinos? Music is universal. It is universally empowering. Music in its truest form is art. Art defi
