Book presentation:
Power Shift: How Latinos in California Transformed Politics in America
Power Shift
charts the rise of Latino political power and its impact, from the breakthrough
election of the first Mexican American to the Los Angeles City Council in 1949
to today's leadership of California and its heavyweight role in polarized
America. This inspiring story recounts the origins and development of 10
LA-based Latino and Latina leaders who transformed politics and government,
forging a progressive political tradition in the process. Challenging
disadvantage and discrimination, these key figures integrated the city council
as well as school and county boards; established Latino collective political
action in the state Legislature and in Congress; restructured the U.S. Census
and how California's electoral districts are drawn; and played major roles in
reforming the Democratic Party, the U.S. labor movement, and U.S.-Mexico
relations. Along the way, they spearheaded critical changes in public health,
law enforcement, education, housing, immigration, transportation, environmental
policies, and more. Based on hundreds of hours of oral interviews and expert
research, Power Shift tells a personal, gripping story that has critical
relevance to our political present. As the nation faces ongoing threats to
democracy and equality, these leaders continue to inspire and resist.
Pre-ordered books will be delivered at the event.