The American Gi Forum: In Pursuit of the Dream, 1948-1983 [Paperback]

Henry A. J. Ramos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1998

One of U.S. Hispanics' most important but least known civil-rights groups, the American GI Forum was founded in 1948 in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Hector P. García, an Army veteran and doctor. Today, the Forum has grown to number over 500 chapters throughout the nation, and remains more dedicated than ever to addressing the problems of veterans and their families (and by extension the overall Hispanic community) in the areas of education, employement, political representation, and health services. Henry Ramos's meticulously written book traces the stormy history of this influential group from its controversial inception through the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Its extensive documentation and generous selection of fotographs (including Forum leaders seen in action and with historical figures such as the Kennedy brothers, Lyndon Johnson, and fellow veteran Bob Dole) will make The American GI Forum a valued addition to any library.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up-The American G.I. Forum was an organization of Hispanic-American veterans created in 1948 to "secure the blessings of American democracy." In telling its history, Ramos also provides a rarely seen glimpse of the politics of this minority group. Each of the seven chapters focuses on a different social issue or era (educational reform, employment rights, the Kennedy/Johnson years, etc.). The chapters are annotated but many of the notes refer to obscure publications (such as the Forum's own newsletter) that students will have a hard time accessing. A secondary value of the book is the opportunity it offers readers to learn a little bit about Hispanic activists. The writing is clear, if a little dry, and the material will probably be new to most collections. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the text.-Herman Sutter, Saint Pius X High School, Houston, TX

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Arte Publico Pr (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155885262X
• ISBN-13: 978-1558852624
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,596,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mexican Americans Were - Presente!, January 23, 2011

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r j martinez - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The American GI Forum: In Pursuit of the Dream, 1948-1983 (Hardcover)

The US era of civil rights is rightfully remembered for the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of Black Americans ranging from Martin Luther King to ordinary people like Rosa Parks and the garbage men of Birmingham. In this book, Henry A.J. Ramos tells the story of how Mexican American Veterans created the first nation-wide Mexican American veterans organization, the American GI Forum during the civil rights era of the 1950's and 1960's.

In 1949, the remains of Private Felix Longoria, a World War II soldier were finally returned to his Texas home town and his funeral services could not be held in the local funeral parlor for fear of "offending white citizens". Local veterans contacted Dr. Hector Garcia who had been leading efforts for Mexican American veterans benefits, medical care and jobs(this medical school graduate, fought to move from serving as a combat medic to finally serving as a Medical Doctor in the segregated US Army during the war. Dr. Garcia contacted US Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson who facilitated the soldier's burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This was the beginning of a long relationship between the two leaders related to The US Voting Rights Act, US Education Reform and The War on Poverty.

The American GI Forum organized "Viva Kennedy Clubs" during the presidential election of 1960. John F. Kennedy was elected by a slim margin and Ramos claims that the Mexican American vote in Texas, Illinois and California made the winning difference.

The book goes on to describe how Mexican Americans played influential roles in most aspects of the US Civil Rights Era including King's Marches on Washington and the passage of War on Poverty and The Voting Rights Act legislation by President Johnson. Yes, Mexicans Were There. We were Presente!

Ramon J. Martinez PhD.