Gonzales, Richard J. wrote for six years aboutChicanos as a Fort Worth Star-Telegram weekly guestcolumnist. He has published short stories in TheAmericas Review, a Hispanic literary journal of theUniversity of Houston, and has worked in, observed, andresearched the Chicano community from the 1970s tothe present. He lives in Arlington, Texas, USA.
"Blending memoir, historical analysis, and journalism, [Gonzales]
catalogs failures of the educational, health care, and criminal
justice systems to deal equitably with a growing Mexican American
population. . . . Gonzales has produced a convincing case for
broadening our national identity."--Panhandle Plains Historical
Review
"Raza Rising is a quick and easy read for the general public and
introductory college students. It is a good starting point to learn
about the present condition of Mexican Americans and Mexicans in
North Texas."--Pacific Historical Review
"Raza Rising could serve as a supplemental text in any Mexican
American, Chicano/a, or Ethnic Studies course that covers history,
race and ethnicity, culture, and politics to promote an informed
dialogue about the changing nature of race relations in the
nation--a conversation that must include the Mexican
American/Chicano experience and perspective."--New Mexico
Historical Review
"Gonzales's account as a history is of great significance because
he documents important events and views in the recent history of
Mexicans in Dallas and Texas, and he does it with the authority of
a first-hand observer. His keen understanding of the Mexican
American history that he has lived gives the narrative a high level
of originality."--Emilio Zamora, author of The World of the Mexican
Worker in Texas
"Raza Rising is clearly a passionate discussion of the many complex
issues affecting the wellbeing of Chicanos in North Texas. It does
not treat Chicanos in North Texas as isolated from the broader
historical and political dynamics of the nation, but rather as
directly affected by national movements and attitudes. Gonzales
does an excellent job of connecting North Texas to the national
scene."--David Maldonado, Jr., author of Crossing Guadalupe Street:
Growing Up Hispanic and Protestant
"Richard skillfully chronicles who we are, where we have been, and
our continued struggles." --Dr. Robert M Munoz, President of the
Hispanic Wellness Coalition.
"In Raza Rising, Richard J. Gonzales beautifully weaves together
years of research and writing from his years as a columnist for the
Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The result is a panoramic portrait of a
forgotten but hugely significant community, the Chicanos and
Latinos of North Texas. Gonzales meticulously details the many
challenges facing young Chicanos and Chicano families in the
schools and in the larger region, moving beyond a deficit-based
approach (of what Chicanos themselves lack) to also explore the
role of white privilege and the dangerous consequences of many
Texans' lack of cultural competency. Raza Rising also stays true to
its title, examining the forgotten roots of the Chicano community
in Texas, a story that spans from indigenous Mexico to recent
Chicano heroes in the US. Finally, it demonstrates the significance
of the Chicano movement and the post-2006 immigrant rights struggle
as key sites in which Mexican-origin residents of North Texas are
remaking the region in their image. Raza Rising reminds us gringos
that it is past time to get to know and embrace this fast-growing
community, because their future will also be our own."--Dr. Max
Krochmal, Director, Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History
Project, Texas Christian University
"Raza Rising represents a significant contribution to the
scholarship and public discussions of the subject. . . . It should
be required reading for any Texan interested in the state's past
and future."--Southwestern Historical Quarterly
"[An] excellent and welcome contribution to American History and
Hispanic Studies shelves."--Midwest Book Review
"From marches on immigration reform to inside a Fort Worth public
school classroom, author Richard J. Gonzales takes readers to
important historical and political events in recent history that
helped shape the Chicano community in North Texas."--Austin
American-Statesman
"How can Chicanos reach the American Dream, how can race relations
be improved, and how can society address problems vis-a-vis
Chicanos? Gonzales recommends that Chicanos vote, acquire an
education, and identify able leaders and support them. . . . His
pronouncements are bold but instructive. Readers at every level,
parents, Chicano leaders, government personnel, and others are
certain to benefit from Gonzales's reflections."--Western
Historical Quarterly
"Many second- and third- and fourth-generation American Latinos
today don't know their own family's history--of an intrepid
ancestor leaving a homeland, encountering grief and struggle, and
succeeding despite incredible obstacles every step of the way.
That's one of the reasons Gonzales wrote his book, Raza
Rising."--Dallas Morning News
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