The Latino Studies department screened the first episode of the unreleased documentary series “The Chicano Squad” at the Union on Aug. 29. Produced by two UT alumni, the series chronicles the history of the country’s first all-Latin homicide detective unit.
Approximately 70 students, faculty and family of the cast attended to watch the first episode of the two-part series, which premieres Sept. 2 and 3 on the A&E Network. Sergio Selvera, who executively produced the series with Nancy De Los Santos, said the pair created the series to highlight the historical significance of the Chicano Squad.
The first episode details the formation of the Chicano Squad in 1979 by the Houston Police Department in response to increased police brutality against Chicanos. The unit of bilingual, Spanish-speaking officers investigated unsolved murders within the Chicano community. Through interviews and archival footage, the episode highlights the challenges the squad faced during their 90-day trial, including limited training, racism from white detectives and mistrust from their own communities.
Selvera, whose father served as a Chicano Squad officer, said the project celebrates Latinx accomplishments.
“This is one of the most decorated law enforcement units in the history of the country,” Selvera said during a Q&A session after the screening. “We need to tell our stories and be proud of our stories.”
Selvera collaborated with De Los Santos to develop and pitch the story. De Los Santos said she was touched by the tenacity of the Chicano Squad and the challenges they faced to help Chicano communities.
“I’m always looking for stories that elevate us and elevate our community, showing it in a realistic light,” De Los Santos said in the Q&A.
The Latino Studies department co-sponsored the screening with AARP-Texas to continue its mission of telling the stories of Latino history in America, said Monica Flores, Latino studies communications coordinator, in an email.
Mary Beltrán, a radio-television-film professor and faculty affiliate with Latino Studies, said she hopes having Latino media makers on campus inspires students.
“It really makes a difference (for Latino students) to see people who have made their way into the industry and are making a difference,” said Beltrán. “Especially if that’s someone who … was in a position that students are in today.”
In the post-screening Q&A session, which featured Selvera, De Los Santos, Director Mario Diaz and four Chicano Squad members, Selvera encouraged students to pursue their passions despite challenges.
“For the college kids, the Longhorns, in the audience right now, what you do here matters,” Selvera said. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but whatever story you have to tell, be really passionate about it … eventually someone’s gonna say yes.”
