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Fashionista Activista
This is the Fashionista Activista Podcast, brought to you by the Goddess Mercado. Here, we will address all those things that may sometimes get in the way of our business journey. In this podcast, I will share tips and strategies that will help you stay on your course. You will be inspired by a few goddesses that use their fashion as a form of healing and activism. Now, this podcast is for the trabajadoras, but you huevonas are also encouraged to join the conversation. I have been meeting many women interested in starting their own small business but don’t know where to start…que, because we have the kids, the home responsibilities, the pressure from our familia, and shame o que ay que pena. And sometimes we have a lot of ganas but very little or no money! Well, I assure you that our tips & stories that will inspire you to join our movement. And let me tell you, girl… there will be NO HUEVONAS here!
Fashionista Activista
Carlos Montes & The Brown Beret at the Smithsonian
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