Summary of Agent of Change: Adela Sloss-Vento, Mexican American Civil Rights Activist and Texas Feminist
Published on January 10, 2020, "Agent of Change: Adela Sloss-Vento, Mexican American Civil Rights Activist and Texas Feminist," is an enlightening exploration of a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in the fight for social justice across multiple domains. The narrative, crafted by Cynthia E. Orozco, delves into the life of Adela Sloss-Vento—a fearless Mexican American essayist whose activism spanned the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of South Texas's economic and societal shifts, the book vividly paints Sloss-Vento’s journey amidst the Mexican American civil rights movement and her critical role in the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Despite her support for the League of United Latin American Citizens’ gender-segregated chapters, Sloss-Vento ardently challenged male privilege and advocated for gender equality, crafting a nuanced narrative of her public and private battles. Winning the Liz Carpenter Award for Research in the History of Women, this biography is a testament to Sloss-Vento’s enduring legacy in advocating for economic, gender, and racial justice. Ideal for adult education settings, this book not only revives the story of a formidable leader but also prompts reflection on the complexities of social reform.