Organizing the Chicano Movement: The Story of CSO

Humberto Garza presents a unique and thought-provoking point of view on the Civil Rights Movement. The CSO (Community Service Organization) played a significant role as a catalyst for the emergence of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement. Leaders such as César Chávez, Gilbert Padilla, and Dolores Huerta honed their organizing and leadership skills through the CSO. The first CSO, a grass-roots, non-profit organization, was formed in Los Angeles in 1947; within five years there were 43 CSO Chapters throughout California and three in Arizona. Current national organizations such as the United Farm Workers Union (UFW), the Southwest Voters Registration and Education Program (SVREP), and the National Council of La Raza evolved from these skilled and dedicated community leaders. The terms “La Causa” and “La Huelga” are inextricably associated with the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.

Humberto Garza presents a unique and thought-provoking point of view on the Civil Rights Movement. The CSO (Community Service Organization) played a significant role as a catalyst for the emergence of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement. Leaders such as César Chávez, Gilbert Padilla, and Dolores Huerta honed their organizing and leadership skills through the CSO. The first CSO, a grass-roots, non-profit organization, was formed in Los Angeles in 1947; within five years there were 43 CSO Chapters throughout California and three in Arizona. The author documents how the CSO created other community leaders, such as Tony Ríos, Congressman Ed Roybal, Humberto "Bert" Corona, Judge Cruz Reynoza, Herman Gallegos, and numerous others. A few years later, these same individuals created national organizations such as The National Council of La Raza, The Southwest Voters Registration and Education Program (SVREP), the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), and the United Farm Workers union (UFW). The terms “La Causa” and “La Huelga” are inextricably associated with the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.

Humberto Garza is a thought-provoking author who presents a unique and insightful point of view regarding historical events. His most recent book, "The Mexican American War of 1846-1848: A Deceitful Smoke Screen" presents a unique analysis of the events and real causes behind this war. Other books that he has written are: "Joaquin Murrieta: A Quest for Justice" and "Joaquin: Demystifying the Murrieta Legend". He is a former university professor, community organizer, and a well-known historian; he holds a Master's degree from Stanford University and both, a Bachelor's and Master's degrees from San Jose State University. Humberto is from Eagle Pass, Texas and currently resides in Sanger, California.