Description

Welcome to season two of the Fashionista Activista Podcast, where style meets activism! I’m your host, Diana Diaz. In each episode, we’ll explore the inspiring journeys of women business owners in Los Angeles, with a special focus on women of color. Join us as we celebrate the power, diversity, and creativity of underrepresented Latin women, youth, and queer communities through engaging conversations and high-quality content.

Guest: Carlos Montes

Summary

In this episode of Fashionista Activista, host Diana Diaz engages with Carlos Montes, a prominent activist and organizer from East LA. Carlos shares his journey from early experiences of racism and oppression to becoming a key figure in the Chicano movement and the formation of the Brown Berets. He discusses the impact of activism on his personal life, the challenges of political repression, and his ongoing work with the Community Service Organization. The conversation also touches on the importance of public education, the debate surrounding charter schools, and Carlos's insights on health and longevity as a source of inspiration for the community.

Key Takeaways

• Carlos Montes began his activism in high school, influenced by racism and oppression.
• The Brown Berets were formed organically as a response to community needs.
• Carlos faced political repression and was arrested multiple times for his activism.
• He went underground to escape persecution, living in Mexico for a time.
• Carlos emphasizes the importance of public education and community organizing.
• He believes charter schools threaten public education and community integrity.
• Carlos's activism is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and family history.
• He continues to inspire younger generations through his work with CSO.
• Carlos advocates for healthy living and community engagement as keys to longevity.
• The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for social justice in East LA.

Keywords

• Activism
• Community Organizing
• Brown Berets
• Education
• Political Repression
• Carlos Montes
• East LA
• Social Justice
• Chicano Movement
• Public Education

Episode Links and Resources

• Follow Carlos Montes on Instagram @carlosmmontes
• Carlos Montes www.carlosmontes.org
  

The Fashionista Activista Podcast is a product of The Goddess Mercado, sponsored by New Economics for Women, SoCalGas, and Kaiser Permanente, and produced by mejia.tv

Goddess Mercado Theme Song
Musical performance: Cello Azul, MariaChingona, Dane Real
Composers: Hector Jose Ortiz, Danellia Arechiga, Rachael Rodriguez