By Ricardo Lezama 
Arizona’s Chicano Basketball League Builds Culture
In Arizona, the Chicano Basketball League continues to foster community and cultural pride through sports.
The league provides a platform for players to connect with their heritage while promoting unity and healthy competition. The league has been in existence since the 1990’s to highlight athletic talent that is often times overlooked.
Arizona has some of the most anti-Chicano laws in the books, but simultaneously has some of the most present activist groups and cultural events too. Their marquee event right now is the ‘Best Kept Secret’ which debuted in March 2024.
One local Phoenix, Arizona coach, however, Mario Andrade has shined for his resilience. Despite having Cerebral Palsy, Andrade is coaching a new member team of the Chicano Basketball League, El Parque. At 33, Andrade has been coaching for close to two decades.
UCR Launches Chicano History Archives
On April 10, the University of California, Riverside, announced two new digital archives: “Latino Social and Political Culture and History: Perspectives on the Chicano Movement” and the “Latin American Perspectives Records.” These collections offer valuable resources for research and education on Chicano and Latin American history.
55th Annual Chicano Park Day – San Diego
On April 19, 2025, San Diego’s Barrio Logan will host the 55th Annual Chicano Park Day, themed “55 and Still Alive, Orale, Vamos al Parque!” This free, family-friendly event will feature traditional music, Aztec dance performances, lowrider exhibitions, and children’s art workshops, celebrating the park’s rich history and cultural significance.
55th Annual Chicano Park Day – San Diego
On April 19, 2025, San Diego’s Barrio Logan will host the 55th Annual Chicano Park Day, themed “55 and Still Alive, Orale, Vamos al Parque!” This free, family-friendly event will feature traditional music, Aztec dance performances, lowrider exhibitions, and children’s art workshops, celebrating the park’s rich history and cultural significance.
Chicano Heritage Festival – Santa Ana
Santa Ana is set to celebrate its fourth annual Chicano Heritage Festival in April 2025. The event will include a car cruise, live performances, food vendors, and community art, highlighting the city’s vibrant Mexican American culture.