Watch Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice

Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice is a 2016 documentary film that chronicles the life and work of Willie Velasquez, a Mexican-American civil rights activist who founded the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project (SVREP) in the 1970s. The film, directed and produced by Hector Galán, illuminates the efforts of Velasquez to empower Latinos and other minority groups through voter registration, community organizing, and political advocacy.

The film begins by introducing Velasquez as a young man growing up in San Antonio, Texas, where he faced discrimination and segregation. Velasquez became politically active in college and worked as a community organizer before founding SVREP in 1974. The film shows how Velasquez and SVREP worked to register hundreds of thousands of new voters in Texas, California, and other states, and how they successfully challenged discriminatory voting practices such as gerrymandering and at-large elections.

The film also focuses on Velasquez's efforts to increase the political representation of Latinos and other minority groups. Velasquez believed that the key to achieving this was by increasing voter turnout and engagement, and the film shows how he worked tirelessly to inspire and mobilize communities to exercise their democratic rights. The film features interviews with political leaders, civil rights activists, and members of the Latino community who talk about the impact that Velasquez had on their lives and the political landscape of the United States.

Throughout the film, Velasquez's family, friends, and colleagues provide insight into his personal and professional life, sharing anecdotes and memories that paint a picture of a man who was deeply committed to social justice and who had a profound impact on those around him. The film also features archival footage of Velasquez speaking at rallies, conducting voter registration drives, and meeting with political leaders. This footage provides a powerful reminder of the challenges that Velasquez and other civil rights activists faced in their efforts to create a fair and just society.

One of the central themes of the film is the idea that voting is a fundamental right and that every citizen has a responsibility to use their voice to shape the political future of their communities. The film urges viewers to think critically about the issues that matter to them and to get involved in the political process as a way of effecting positive change. At a time when voter suppression tactics are still being used to disenfranchise minority voters, the film serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for the right to vote and the power that can be wielded by those who exercise that right.

Overall, Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice is a powerful and inspiring tribute to one of the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. Through its compelling storytelling and its focus on the importance of civic engagement, the film offers a timely reminder of the struggles of the past and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Americans. Whether you're a seasoned activist or a first-time voter, this film will leave you feeling empowered and inspired to make a difference in your community.

Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 53 minutes.