Barrio Golden Gate

I had a chance to read the book Borderline Americans by Katherine Benton-Cohen. It has very vivid reminders of the past discrimination in the history of Az., that should not be forgotten.

In Morenci, a Copper Mining Community, there were struggles as to how the treatment and pay of  Mexican Miners were in comparison to their White counterparts.

The infamous Bisbee Deportation, was mentioned in this book, where over 1000 Mexican American Miners organized, and took a stand against the Phelps Dodge Corporation. The Company made quick work of these Union Organizers (many US Citizens by this time) by 'deporting' them into the desert in New Mexico.

There is much more the book gets into, though this blog is more about a modern day travesty many may not be aware of.

In the rich cultural history of modern day Metro Phoenix, there has always been diversity. Its hard to tell in a State that has recently set its agenda on demonizing the entire Hispanic Community, by passing laws like the "papers please" law SB1070, and "down on brown education" HB2281 Anti-Mexican American Studies law, Az's attempt at erasing its own history of discrimination towards the Mexican American Community.

In the case of Golden Gate, or so affectionately known by those who were from the predominately Mexican American neighborhood, "Barrio Golden Gate".  The "powers" set it sights on this area to condemn and relocate the residents to other sections of Phoenix.

You see, the "Chicano" neighborhood stood on prime real estate, and progress or "eminent domain", for the purposes of expanding Shy Harbor and the I-10 Fwy. These projects took precedence, over the residence of this area, as profiteers ran the show then, just like they do today.

I got the chance to sit down with a few former residents of the area, and fellow Veteran brothers of American Legion Post-41.

One member, said they were one of the last families to relocate out of the area. The "powers" or in this case those who chose to make the airport expansion and the freeway corridor through this neighborhood instead of somewhere else.., came several times, and to an extent threatened the last family to leave or else.  They increased the funds offered to the residents as time passed, though ultimately they were all required to move.

Today there is little left of the once large, yet tight-nit Barrio, save for the Sacred Heart Parish, which was saved from demolition as a Historical Landmark. The former residents of Golden Gate, hold Mass Vigil at the community church there once a year. (see link). This is the only time and place they can all get together reminisce about their former neighborhood.

I hope by enlightening those who are not aware of the rich history minorities have played in Arizona's past. We hope to not forget and allow mistakes to occur in the future, such as SB1070, and HB2281. Maybe the "powers" will "get it" and understand.... we ARE Arizona, and nothing will they do will change or erase that history.

The residents of "Barrio Golden Gate" will certainly never forget.

Regards,
Truth