Chicano Fest 3 is right around the corner and in anticipation of another installment of Southwest Detroit Culture, ROX-TV pays some homage.

Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. As always, we’d like to thank the returning readers and welcome anyone or anything to the party. We are always working hard on bringing you news that matters to the underground. In between we stuff the rolls with shit we like. I know…not everyone will be happy all the time no matter what, but I bet if you stick around long enough…we got something that will appeal to you. If you’re not into experience, expanding just a tad, or looking for the silver lining (when there is one) in just about anything…this is the wrong place to be. We cherish Freedom and Expression and History. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy getting loose. The Drifters can certainly do that and we do. I’m just dialing in the sweet spot between events in the scene and the energy needed for lift. Well, now that all the technical talk is behind us, we can dip slip back into the original mission tonight. The word is Chicano Fest 3 and the coverage starts now. So, fire up the tower, roll out a log, work on a case….and come on. The future waits for no one. Get hip Jones, it’s time to move.

As many of the faithful readers know, Southwest Detroit is home to a wonderful and diverse community. The place is vibrant with culture, smiling faces, and people who are serious about the advancement of their people. I can’t think of a more noble cause. The thing is with this kind of “good work” people can really change the world. Right now, at this very moment, I know for a fact that there is a trio working overtime in Southwest Detroit to do just that. I’m sure you’ve heard of them by now, especially if you know Juggalo Culture or get down with the Chicano’s in Southwest. The father and sons’ team consists of the legendary RUDE BOY, DJ Carlito, and the up-and-coming DJ Santana. I’ve been running the streets with these Chicano homies for awhile and I’m really proud of the work they are doing in the community.

And it keeps getting better. This year, Cruisin The Barrio has partnered with Southwest Detroit’s own Congress of Communities to take things to the next level. I’ve had the opportunity to visit the C.O.C. for an open house event a couple months ago and I was really impressed by the outfit and the woman that is heading up the effort. The wonderful lady’s name is Maria Salinas and she is a true sister to her community and people. Not only a sister but a shining example of an exemplary human. In a day and age, where people just aren’t doing the right things very often, it is so uplifting to meet people who care and are doing the heavy work.

During an official visit with Rude Boy and DJ Carlito, I was able to set in on the meeting and really get a feel for Maria and her top notch staff. I love history and was blown away by some of the things Maria was kicking down to us about her history of activism on behalf of her people. Maria told us that her brother had been heavily involved in Chicano movement called the “The Brown Berets” and that he had been invited to a speech that Ceser Chavez was giving in Saginaw back in the 1970’s. Maria talked about going with her big brother to that speech and what it was like to meet someone like Chavez, who was doing big things at the time. Chavez is widely known around the world for his political activism as a labor leader and civil rights champion.

There was lots of movement during the years of 1969 through 1972 and the federal government was paying attention. As the story goes, various law enforcement agencies infiltrated and attempted to discredit the movement. At the height of the things, the Brown Berets had thirty-six functioning chapters in multiple states. Most of these chapters operated on or near college campuses as well as in the communities. On November 1st, 1972 the prime minister of the Brown Berets, David Sanchez decided to shut the organization down to “avoid strife in the Chicano Movement and factional violence”. The movement and the people endured.

Interview with Chicano Fest founders Rudy Hill, Carlito Hill, and Santana Hill

July 19th, 2023

Southwest Detroit

Me: Rude Boy, its always a good time when we get together. With Chicano Fest 3 right around the corner, can you tell the readers at the ROX-TV website, why this is a personal mission?

Rude Boy: “Chicano Fest is very personal for me, to bring something to our community to uplift Chicanos in a positive way is the main objective, and to do it side by side with two of my sons, makes it even better”.

Me: Little brother, it’s alway good to talk with you again. Can you tell the readers about why this is important to you?

DJ Santana: “Doing something positive for Southwest Detroit with my dad is always cool, especially when it comes to Chicano Culture”.

Me: My friend Carlito, it’s a great day in Southwest Detroit. Can you tell us about the partnership between C.O.C. and Cruisin The Barrio?

DJ Carlito: “With the partnership of Congress of Communities (C.O.C.), I feel like Chicano Fest 3 will be the biggest yet. The C.O.C. has opened up their home to us to uplift the community and for that we are grateful”.

So, you’ve heard it from the Chicano Fest Founders, this is a special event for the community and for the City of Detroit. Please mark your calendars, save the date, and just show up. This is a good cause, perhaps the greatest. Any time people get serious about their history, culture, and the future, I’m paying attention. The event, like in previous years is a family orientated party. Bring the kids, bring the family, bring your mom. We want to see you all there. Come on down to Southwest Detroit and see what all the buzz is about. Remember action beats words (even written) hands down every time. The Drifters are all about action and we will be bringing the heat. Believe that. Stay tuned for more coverage throughout July and August.