Neida Alcantar 
Edcouch-Elsa- The Edcouch-Elsa 1968 Walkout marked its 50th anniversary on Nov. 14.
Neta, Edcouch-Elsa ISD and the UTRGV Center for Mexican American Studies collaborated to commemorate the student walkout.
The 1968 walkout was organized by high school students facing discrimination in school.
Nearly 200 students came together on the morning of Nov. 14 to protest for a better education system for Mexican-American students.
Several students organized a coalition and formed a list of demands to be presented at a board meeting.
Former students who participated in the original walkout attended the commemoration.
“I would not trade this day or that day for anything else,” said former Edcouch-Elsa student Nelda Villarreal.
The event started at the location of the old Edcouch-Elsa High School, where a press conference and march took place.
At 6 p.m., a ‘Community Platica’ took place at the Llano Grande Center, where former students shared their experiences during the 1968 walkout.
“I don’t think things have been fixed as of right now. We’re still going through discrimination. There’s still things that need to be worked on. Not only the school district of Edcouch-Elsa, but I think overall,” said Marisela Rodriguez, another student involved in the walkout.
One of the event organizers was the Director for the Center for Mexican American Studies.
“This is not something easy, but it shows through collective action. People who feel there’s an injustice can stand up and make a difference. When people see that that is part of their history, they know they can also do that themselves,” said Stephanie Alvarez.
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