Forging Latino Power: The Politics of Inclusion, Backlash, and Resistance

"Ayón and Pla illuminate the strategies and courage with which Latinos have insisted on justice, resisted marginalization, and persisted in shaping our nation's future." — G. Cristina Mora, Chancellor's Professor of Sociology, Co-Director, UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies

At a defining moment for American democracy, Forging Latino Power traces the fight for Latino political empowerment, from the earliest efforts to improve working and living conditions in California to the streets of LA today.

Through the stories of leaders and legends like Dolores Huerta, Alex Padilla, Antonia Hernández, Jorge Ramos, Eva Longoria, Pete Aguilar, Xavier Becerra, Monica Lozano, Henry Cisneros, Eric Garcetti, and more, this book reveals how Latina/o trailblazers overcame their community's historic exclusion to reach some of the highest positions of power.

Each hard-won victory for representation triggered backlash, but they forged ahead. Their ability to defy repression, defend the most vulnerable, and drive policy change models how constructive resistance can result in greater inclusion and progress.

David R. Ayón, coauthor of Power Shift: How Latinos in California Transformed Politics in America, has taught politics at seven universities and contributed to over twenty books and other publications.

George L. Pla, Founder and CEO of Cordoba Corporation, has been in the forefront of Latino politics in California since his early days in grassroots activism.