CEntro Legal de la raza
Centro Legal de La Raza opened its doors in September of 1969 at 3827 East 14th Street (now International Boulevard), at the center of Oakland’s Mexican American community in the Fruitvale District. It was a joyful and collective act dedicated to creating access to justice. During this time the Fruitvale was a hub for the new and emerging Chicano Movement and became a meeting point where community members worked alongside students from local universities.
The numbers and diversity of activists who joined the cause was unprecedented. The collective power was visible in their commitment to empower those who were underrepresented or not represented at all. They were ready, willing, and able to serve. It is within these dynamics that community activists joined forces with 28 young law students from the University of California Berkeley (UCB) who were willing to make long-term pledges of their time and effort. This work brought much needed legal services to the community and helped propel the Chicano Movement in the Fruitvale.
Community LEGAL RESOURCES
Founded: 1969 exists to Present
First Location: 3827 East 14th street, Oakland
current Location: 3400 East 12th street, Oakland
Centro Legal de la Raza abrió sus puertas en septiembre de 1969 en 3827 East 14th Street (ahora International Boulevard), en el centro de la comunidad mexicano-americano del distrito de Fruitvale. Era un acto alegre y colectivo dedicado a crear acceso a la justicia. Durante este tiempo el Barrio Fruitvale era un núcleo para el nuevo y emergente movimiento chicano y se convertió en un punto de encuentro donde miembros de la comunidad trabajaban junto a estudiantes de las universidades locales.
Eran sin precedentes el número y la diversidad de activistas que se unieron a la causa. La fuerza colectiva era visible en su compromiso a empoderar a los que tenían poca o ninguna representación. Los activistas estaban preparados, dispuestos y capacitados para servir. Dentro de esta dinámica, los activistas comunitarios unieron fuerzas con 28 jóvenes estudiantes de Derecho de la Universidad de California en Berkeley (UCB) que estaban dispuestos a comprometer su tiempo y esfuerzo a largo plazo. Este trabajo aportó servicios legales muy necesarios a la comunidad y ayudó a impulsar el Movimiento Chicano en el Fruitvale.
