Jose Cleofas Gonzales talks about his youth in Saginaw, Michigan in the late 1960s and how it prepared him for student activism at Michigan State University. Gonzales reflects on his growing awareness of race and class and a desire to better his situation as well as avoid the draft. He recalls his impression of campus and his culture shock, his activities, and the difficulty with the course work. Gonzales describes efforts to increase Chicano studies at MSU, have more Chicano faculty, start a radio station, and beginning a student newspaper, volunteering at a counseling center, and using theater to educate about Chicano issues. He talks about the "Brown Berets," Catholic Church activities, the UFWOC Grape Boycott, and activities in the Lansing and Saginaw areas. Gonzales comments on the risks and benefits of political activism, getting the attention of the University, and seeing the dream of having a viable Chicano Studies program realized and then explains why he left MSU without a degree. Gonzales is interviewed by Michigan State University Librarian Diana Rivera and Julio Cesar Guerrero for the "Mexican Voices/Michigan Lives" oral history series.
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