In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, Dr. Nora Cisneros, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies led a discussion on Sept. 25 exploring the intersections of immigration policy, activism and community power in the Central Valley.
Cisneros opened the discussion highlighting influential Bakersfield leaders, including Jessica Govea Thorbourne, who worked alongside Cesar Chavez to fight for immigrant rights in the United States. Thorbourne, a labor activist and educator, was central to organizing farmworkers and amplifying the voices of immigrant communities.
Cisneros also discussed the founding of the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924 and the Bracero Program, which ran from 1942 to 1964. The program allowed thousands of Mexican laborers to work in the United States with legal authorization and marked a turning point in the history of Latinx labor and migration.
She noted the contributions of local organizations such as the Juarez Society, Chicano students at Bakersfield College and El Mensaje, a Chicano newspaper. Each group worked to protect Bakersfield’s most vulnerable residents and played a role in advancing social change.
One of the most engaging questions raised during the forum was whether Latinos in Bakersfield have the power to create change. The answer, Cisneros said, “yes”. She pointed to the many individuals and groups who organized to make their voices heard.
Cisneros also noted that Bakersfield is home to one of the largest United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, which houses people transferred not only from the Central Valley but from other states. She added that another large facility is located nearby in California City, although many residents are unaware of its presence.
“One of the things that seemed most interesting to me was that there is a detention center here; I didn’t know that,” said Karen Avalos, a CSUB student.
“She advocated for everyone,” said CSUB student Matha Manriques. This is a problem that affects many and she made it seem like everyone needs help sometimes.
Manriques said it’s important to ensure that every community feels seen and valued, rather than focusing on just one group. She emphasized the need for unity and understanding, reminding everyone that these issues affect all of us, no matter who we are.
“I think it’s important to get information out because a lot of us don’t always have access to it or we don’t have the time to dedicate to things like this because we’re busy with life, school, and work,” said Martha Ruiz, a CSUB student.
