WHO KNEW that Pacoima was responsible for Pan African and Chicano Studies departments at CSUN ??????
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In 1968, students from Pacoima staged on of the biggest civil rights protest in California history, when they took over Valley State College, now called Cal State University, Northridge
Pacoima students protest the injustice at Valley State College
Yes, it is true. In 1968, the majority of people of color were limited to living in Pacoima due to racial covenants that prevented them from living anywhere else in the San Fernando Valley. K-12 schools were in Pacoima however, when the youth sought out higher education, Valley State College (now known as Cal State University Northridge) was the only game in town.
Racism ran rapid at this school, and students of color were often denied access to classes. After an incident involving a white coach and black athlete erupted, the administration building was taken over by students from Pacoima, who demanded to speak to someone about the prejudice that plagued the school.
Incident lit the fuse for massive reforms at the school. It also paved the way for the school's and state's first Pan-African and Chicano Studies Departments.
See this untold story and the rest of Pacoima's incredible history on the powerful new documentary "PacoimaStories: Land of Dreams. Available on DVD, May 12.
PacoimaStories is an amazing documentary that reveals the 1,500-year history of an area in Los Angeles once called Pacoinga Village and now known as Pacoima.
The town, which is located in the northeast San Fernando Valley, has been largely viewed as a hub for gangs and drug activity. However, when you scratch beneath the surface you discover a rich tradition of pride and heritage that defines American culture like never before.
Experience how Pacoima is a true pre-American town and how it evolved to what it is today. If you have any ties to Pacoima, you do not want to miss this story.
I was born in Pacoima in 1960, and lived in the San Fernando Gardens projects for some of the early years of my life. My family first came to the San Fernando Valley in the 1930’s from Louisiana. It began with my great grandmothers’ sister Lucille followed by my great, great grandmother Rosa, who opened the first Black owned restaurant in the Valley called Lee’s Restaurant on Van Nuys Blvd. Read More
I was born in Pacoima in 1960, and lived in the San Fernando Gardens projects for some of the early years of my life. My family first came to the San Fernando Valley in the 1930’s from Louisiana. It began with my great grandmothers’ sister Lucille followed by my great, great grandmother Rosa, who opened the first Black owned restaurant in the Valley called Lee’s Restaurant on Van Nuys Blvd. Read More
On January 14, 2016, the Pacoima Historical Society was officially founded. Members from Pacoima’s diverse community gathered at Vaughn International Studies Academy to create the Board of Directors and executive officers who will represent the foundation. Read More
With the release of the new film “Pacoima Stories “Land of Dreams,” the town of Pacoima is buzzing like never before. Residents from the past and present will be gathering for a world premiere screening, which takes place on Saturday, February 27. Read More
On January 14, 2016, the Pacoima Historical Society was officially founded. Members from Pacoima’s diverse community gathered at Vaughn International Studies Academy to create the Board of Directors and executive officers who will represent the foundation. Read More
