The Fronterizos exhibit presents a history of Spanish-speakers in San Diego.
Speaking Spanish in Chula Vista used to be risky.
Even deadly.
Mexicans who lived in the San Diego region became Mexican-Americans when the international border moved south following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1884.
A new people, Los Fronterizos (People of the Borderlands) emerged, but were not always made to feel welcome – or safe.
The exhibit artistically presents a anthropological collection of artifacts from the earlyiest Spanish speakers of Southern California.
A new exhibit at the Chula Vista Public Library highlights the history of Spanish-speaking people, including the terrible truths about how they were persecuted. Chula Vista’s wonderful and underrated Heritage Museum snuggled in the main branch of the Chula Vista Public Library, has mounted “Fronterizos,” a brilliant exhibit created by graphic designer Eva Salas. It is a celebration of speakers of Spanish, their contributions to this community and the permanent imprint they left.
Well – they never left, just evolved.
Spanish-speaking people were not all Mexican. Many ethnicities settled in San Diego, including Spaniards and African-Spaniards who were Black or Arab. Though they were all Spanish-speaking, their cultures were markedly different. Native-American Kumeyaay often married Latino pioneers and took their Spanish names. Handmade baskets and stone arrowheads are displayed in a manner that highlights the skill of the Kumeyaay. Items look as if they were made with factory precision.
This territorial map depicts the earliest groups to occupt Baja California coupled with artifacts of Native American influence.
Spanish-speakers were treated as second-class citizens in San Diego County and endured decades of terrible racism. One example was Pedro Gonzalez, who came to the United States in 1924 and almost immediately was drafted into the Army. He later became a radio personality that grew a big following because his show was early in the morning and many Mexican-Americans working in the fields and factories at the time listened.
His large following concerned Los Angeles District Attorney Buron Fitts, who was convinced the popular Gonzalez could start a racial revolt. Gonzalez was accused of rape and faced felony charges, although the accuser later signed an affidavit stating she made the rape charge because authorities had treatened her. Depite the affidavit, Gonzalez was convicted to 50 years in prison and was sent to San Quentin. He served six years before being deported to Mexico, innocent of any wrong doing.
Police and government officials played roles in the mistreatment of Spanish-speaking people. Land promised by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to Californios who lived in the region before the Mexican-American War was taken away by the Land Claims Act of 1851.
Immigration and Naturalization Services was prominently displayed in the exhibit. In 1977 the INS gave two KKK leasders a tour of the border, outraging Mexican-Americans. Chicano activists organized a large march at the border expressing their disapproval.
Salas, contributors and the museum created a powerful living
Fronterizos were the earliest generations of Spanish speakers to live in the region.
history display that transports visitors back in time in hopes that we do not repeat history. It is free, ferocious and not to be missed.
“Fronterizos” is open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. It runs through Dec. 31.
