ASA Lecture Series Extra Credit #2: "Movements, Arts and Activism"

Extra Credit #2

Melissa Elizalde

Section A01

May 1st, 2014

    A Response to "Movements, Arts and Activism"

Lecture by: Professor Malaquias Montoya

           To begin, I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Professor Montoya's lecture on "Movements, Arts and Activism." As a Latina women I enjoyed being able to learn about Chicano history while taking an Asian American Studies course. I think that fact alone goes to show the need for more multicultural programs and events. 

           Professor Montoya's lecture began as a recounting of his life story and development as a political artist. He detailed his life growing up Chicano and the struggles that came along with being a Chicano student and artist. I especially loved when he discussed how in school when he was supposed to be studying, he found himself doodling and developed a passion for art. Professor Montoya then discussed his time in the Marines and how he was able to gain cultural competency from traveling and serving abroad in predominantly Asian countries. He discussed his return from active duty and how he began to get involved in the liberation movements of the 1960s. In fact, one of the most interesting artworks that he did was for the Third World Liberation Front. He made most of the initial poster work for the campaign and played an active role in the creation of the ethnic studies department at UC Berkeley. Professor Montoya then went on to discuss his involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement. He discussed the Chicano experience during the Vietnam War and how how he believed "the war was not in Vietnam, but in our streets." I completely agree with this mindset and believe that if it was applied to more of our foreign policy decisions, there would be less war. To finish of his lecture, Professor Montoya discussed and provided visuals of the artwork he has done for various political movements ranging from the Free Palestine movement to his work for undocumented immigrants. Below I've showcased some of his artwork and would like to point out how diverse his work is and how he continues to make beautiful, important art.

           Overall I loved this lecture and loved being able to find out about one of our prominent Chicano professors on campus. I'm looking forward to the next lecture and to the continuing of this important series!