VOCES

Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice

Meet the charismatic pioneering activist whose rallying cry of “su voto es su voz” (your vote is your voice) started a grassroots movement that transformed the nation’s political landscape and paved the way for the growing power of the Latino vote.

Trailer | Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice

30s

With his rallying cry of “SU VOTO ES SU VOZ," — your vote is your voice — Willie Velásquez started a grassroots movement that would change the nation’s political landscape and pave the way for the growing power of the Latino Vote.

Previews + Extras

  • The Congressman from Texas: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Congressman from Texas

    S2016 E1 - 30s

    Learn the early history of Congressman Henry B Gonzalez, the First Latino Congressman elected in Texas.

  • A New Identity: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A New Identity

    S2016 E1 - 43s

    Ralph Velasquez talks about two identities and the meaning of "Pocholandia."

  • MAYO: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    MAYO

    S2016 E1 - 1m 32s

    Ignacio "Nacho" Perez talks about the creation of MAYO, The Mexican American Youth Organization.

  • Activists: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Activists

    S2016 E1 - 1m 22s

    Professor Charles Cotrell talks about the reporters seeking out Chicano activists in their own midst.

  • Transformation: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Transformation

    S2016 E1 - 1m 57s

    Southwest Voter Vice President, Lydia Camarillo shares her story of the first time hearing Willie give a speech.

  • New Generation: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    New Generation

    S2016 E1 - 2m 34s

    Julian Castro talks about the new generation of Latino voters.

  • A Latino Republican: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Latino Republican

    S2016 E1 - 1m 39s

    Latinos in Presidential elections have traditionally voted Democrat. Retired Advertising Executive Lionel Sosa reflects on becoming Republican.

  • Moving On Up: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Moving On Up

    S2016 E1 - 41s

    Willie's brother Ralph takes on a neighborhood tour of the barrio.

  • Freedom Summer: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Freedom Summer

    S2016 E1 - 1m 15s

    Willie's brother Ralph talks about the time in 1964 when they feared Willie, on his way home from Washington D.C., got caught up in the violence of Freedom Summer in Mississippi.

  • “Beautiful New World”: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    “Beautiful New World”

    S2016 E1 - 1m 11s

    “Que Bonito Es El Mundo Nuevo” were the last words Willie said to his brother before he died. Henry Cisneros explores its possible meaning.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.