Pete Lopez has been teaching at Valley for 28 years and counting.
By: Sara Lemon, Staff Writer
A third generation Californian raised in the historic Lincoln Heights neighborhood adjacent to Dodger Stadium and Olvera Street, professor Pete Lopez has taught at Valley College for 28 years. And although there is no timeline for retirement, the Chicano studies professor can’t help but look ahead.
“I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and the time to pursue my other passions and interests, too,” said Lopez. “I plan to keep on teaching, researching and traveling and spending a lot more time in Iowa with my family and grandchildren. Who knows, I might end up teaching Chicano studies in Iowa.”
The third generation Angelino, who has been happily married to his high-school sweetheart for 43
years, stands tall as a student advocate. His office features a collection of symbols of advocacy that include a Diego Rivera painting, a United Farm Workers of America Flag, a sticker that reads “I love East Los,” and the 1992 documentary No Grapes that advocates for a ban on the use of pesticides in grape production.
Lopez said that the fight continues and in today’s political climate, there is a lot to fight for.
“The current political climate we are living through is so unnerving to say the least,” he said. “For years, I have been sharing thoughts and concerns with my students about the dangers posed by political reactionary movements that could easily threaten our democratic institutions.”
“I have never shied away from vocalizing caveats about the dangers of political extremism with cult-like leaders. And yet, here we are. I hope we prepare our students as they are so deserving because as Bob Dylan once reminded us, ‘times they are changing.’”
Lopez has also collected a number of awards at Valley, including an Apple Award, and, most recently, he was presented with an Instructor Appreciation award from EOPS.
Lopez graduated from Loyola Marymount University and earned his master’s at Cal State LA in Mexican American studies. His roles at Valley include Chicano studies program director, Student Equity Achievement program and the California Community Colleges Ethnic Studies faculty council member.
Over the years of teaching, he saw multi-generational families come through Valley. Many of his students have been the offspring of his former students. Lopez said he tries to provide students with opportunities to explore and analyze the experiences of Mexican Americans in the United States. He addresses the lack of representation of Chicano history in U.S. literature and seeks to empower students to enter a multi-ethnic workforce and more effectively work toward social justice.
The term Chicano is a self-ascribed term that specifically refers to U.S. citizens of Mexican American heritage and/or lineage.
Lopez said, “It’s all about our dual heritage. They live and breathe the “American” experience. In Mexico, Chicanos are seen more as American than Mexican.”
He explained that many Chicanos are not fluent in Spanish and do not fully grasp Mexican culture, history, or popular culture. They are proud of their Mexican roots, customs and traditions and are always looking to learn more about their ancestral lineage.
Lopez also revels in the music of diverse cultures. “I play Latin percussion in a band,” the professor said. “My conga drums are beckoning as are [Frank Grillo] Machito, [Antonio Carlos] Jobim, [John] Coltrane and Miles [Davis].” He also shared a unique hobby, “I also enjoy Formula 1 racing.”
Martin De Mucha Flores, assistant dean of student equity and Latina Heritage Committee said, “Pete has been a long time advocate of Latino student success. He stepped in to lead and encourage the new vanguard of Latino, Latina and Latinx leaders on campus to chart a new path and vision forward for the community.”
Professor Lopez oversees the annual Día de los Muertos at Valley.
“Since 1997, the Day of the Dead event has offered the students and faculty an opportunity to join together in building altars for friends and family who have passed on,” said Lopez. “This tradition has its roots dating back four thousand years.”
As Lopez shared his future vision of spending more time with his grandchildren, he began to smile and laugh a little at the idea of no longer walking the halls of Valley.
“Taking courses with professor Lopez significantly impacted my career choices,” said student Tiffani Castro. “He made me understand the great need of having educators who would guide Chicano/Latino students to their potential. His drive further cemented my commitment in becoming an educator.”
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