Oregon’s historic Chicano college continues to inspire as Latine communities fight against erasure [Video]

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Anthony Veliz is a fifth generation Oregonian and community leader. In 2020, he established PODER: Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network.

Before him, the Veliz family worked hard to carve out Latine community life in the agricultural heart of the Willamette Valley. Veliz’ grandparents helped establish the now annual Fiesta Mexicana that takes place in Woodburn, Oregon every August.

“Growing up here, it was most definitely not the way the demographics are today. [Woodburn] was a very white city; a small rural town,” recalls Veliz.

The family had to assimilate to North American culture in order to survive. “We were really encouraged to learn English and only speak English,” says Veliz. “I think our main goal for my grandparents and my family was really to try to get integrated in the community. Just put your head down, get to work and don’t make a lot of noise.”