http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt7m3nf6jr No online items Finding Aid for the American GI Forum of California Records, 1958-2009 115 Processed by Linda Vera Rivas, Kyoko Aoki. Chicano Studies Research Center Library 2012 144 Haines Hall Box 951544 Los Angeles, California 90095-1544 [email protected] URL: http://chicano.ucla.edu Finding Aid for the American GI 115 1 Forum of California Records, 1958-2009 115 Language of Material: English Contributing Institution: Chicano Studies Research Center Library Title: American GI Forum of California Records Creator: American GI Forum of California 1958 - Identifier/Call Number: 115 Physical Description: 19 linear feet Date (inclusive): 1958-2009 Abstract: The American GI Forum of California Collection includes correspondence, ephemera, and organizational papers documenting their activities. These materials offer researchers a lens into the often-difficult reintegration process that veterans undergo following their separation from the armed forces, as well as the overall effects of this process on their families and their communities. Researchers will find these materials useful for critical examinations of the social location of Latino servicemen and servicewomen within the context of a large metropolitan center and how this identity has evolved since 1942. Indeed, a collection of this caliber has wide application for studies on the overall condition of Latinos within the United States as well as on the lives and communities of California Latino veterans. Moreover, according to Kelly Lytle-Hernandez, professor of History at UCLA, this particular collection has much to offer scholars interested in studying local California politics, Latino veteran organizing, and gender dynamics in a traditionally male-centered context. According to her, the stories reflected in these papers act as a precursor to later Chicano organizing. Language of Material: Collection materials in English and Spanish. COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Library and Archive for paging information. Access Open for research. Acquisition Information The materials were donated by Willie and Helen Galvan and Eddie Morin. Arrangement The collection is organized into the following series: Series 1. National Forum Series 2. California State Forum Series 3. Local Chapters The folders are in the order determined by the initial archivists. Biography The American GI Forum was founded in 1948 in Corpus Christi, Texas as a resource for Mexican American veterans returning from service in WWII and their families. The repressive socio-economic and political climate of Texas prior to WWII and the lack of social mobility and limited opportunities afforded to servicemen and women despite their service in the nation's armed forces, functioned as an impetus to create an organization that could represent and fight for veterans' rights. Although this organization was originally created to meet the needs of those veterans living in South Texas, several victories related to veterans' benefits and access to health care motivated Mexican Americans in other parts of the nation to create their own local American GI Forum chapters. Key to this growth was the denial of funeral services in 1949 to a Mexican American soldier – Private Felix Longoria, whose remains were returned home four years after being killed in combat in the Philippines. After organizing several protests and receiving a great deal of media attention, Senator Lyndon B. Johnson intervened and arranged for PVT Longoria to be buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. Nearly ten years later, the American GI Forum of California was founded in 1958. Much like its parent organization in Corpus Christi, Texas, it has been dedicated to serving the Latino community by centering their efforts on the Latino veteran population residing in California along with their families. Approximately 40 chapters have been chartered in California, and currently there are 27 active chapters throughout the state. The state chapter has been involved in numerous activities including but not limited to: fighting deficiencies within the educational system, biased hiring practices on the part of the U.S. government, demanding apologies from former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone in 1986 for discriminatory remarks against the Mexican and Puerto Rican communities, and advocating for the need for greater mental health services for Latinos, especially those returning from combat. Preferred Citation Finding Aid for the American GI 115 2 Forum of California Records, 1958-2009 115 [Identification of item], American GI Forum of California Records, 115, Chicano Studies Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles. Processing History Processed by Linda Vera Rivas and Kyoko Aoki, 2009-2012. Additions processed and finding aid revised and edited by Doug Johnson, 2018. Related Material Dr. Hector P. Garcia Papers. Mary and Jeff Bell Library, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Scope and Content The American GI Forum of California Collection includes correspondence, ephemera, publications, and organizational papers documenting the activities of this organization. It includes documents from the National Forum as well as the California Forum and its various local chapters. It also includes documents from the women's Auxiliary Forum and the Youth Forum. Publication Rights These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of materials, including but not limited to infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials. Subjects and Indexing Terms American GI Forum American GI Forum Auxiliary American GI Forum Women Mexican American soldiers Retired military personnel Veterans Series 1. National Forum Subseries 1. Forum Box 1, Folder 1 National Convention 1964 Scope and Contents Includes: press release for San Antonio, TX convention; proposed budget. Box 1, Folder 2 National Convention 1965 Scope and Contents Includes minutes from the Kansas City, KS convention. Box 1, Folder 3 National Convention 1966 Scope and Contents Includes: materials for the San Diego, CA convention; proposed state convention program; correspondence and delegate information for the national convention; convention rules and resolutions. Box 1, Folder 4 National Convention 1967 Scope and Contents Includes: report, agenda, and resolutions passed at Denver, CO convention; list of the delegates from California. Finding Aid for the American GI 115 3 Forum of California Records, 1958-2009 115 Series 1. National Forum Subseries 1. Forum Box 1, Folder 5 Conferences and hearings attended by the National GI Forum 1966-1967 Scope and Contents Includes meeting minutes and notes from regional conferences, seminars, and discussions. Box 1, Folder 6 National Convention 1969 Scope and Contents Includes invitation and proceedings of the Cheyenne, WY convention. Box 1, Folder 7 National Convention 1970 Scope and Contents Includes correspondence, agenda, minutes, and reports related to the Flint, MI convention. Box 1, Folder 8 National Convention 1971 Scope and Contents Includes agendas, minutes, and resolutions passed, including treasurer's statements, at the Las Vegas, NV convention, hosted by the Pico Rivera chapter. Box 1, Folder 9 National Convention 1972 Scope and Contents Includes minutes and summary of resolutions and recommendations adopted at the Washington, DC convention. Box 1, Folder 10 National Convention 1973 Scope and Contents Includes: minutes and resolutions passed at the El Paso, TX convention; a copy of the Constitution of the American GI Forum. Box 1, Folder 11 National Convention 1974 Scope and Contents Includes: brochure for the Los Angeles, CA convention; a pamphlet for a dinner program held on 1974 July 19. Box 1, Folder 12 National Convention 1975 Scope and Contents Includes: agendas for the Cheyenne, WY convention; roll call sheet; roster of national officers for 1975-1976. Box 1, Folder 13 National Convention 1977 Scope and Contents Includes press release and flyer for Albuquerque, NM convention. Box 1, Folder 14 National Convention 1978 Scope and Contents Includes two copies of the report from the Corpus Christi, TX convention. Box 1, Folder 15 National Convention 1980 Scope and Contents Brochures and other material from the Anaheim, CA convention. Box 1, Folder 16 Financial statements and proposed budgets 1966-1969 Finding Aid for the American GI 115 4 Forum of California Records, 1958-2009 115 Series 1. National Forum Subseries 1. Forum Box 2, Folder 1 National Board of Directors Meeting 1965 February Scope and Contents Includes agenda and minutes from the Albuquerque, NM meeting. Box 2, Folder 2 National Mid-Year Conference 1966 February Scope and Contents Includes agendas, reports, and minutes from the Albuquerque, NM conference. Box 2, Folder 3 National Mid-Year Conference 1967 February Scope and Contents Includes agendas, reports, and minutes from the Denver, CO conference. Box 2, Folder 4 National Board of Directors Meeting 1969 Scope and Contents Includes: resolutions passed at the Denver, CO meeting; report from the Michigan State Chairman. Box 2, folder 5 National Board of Directors Mid-Year Conference