New book explores Mexican immigrant culture in Concord since the 1970s

CONCORD, CA (Oct. 24, 2021) — Locals know writer and activist George Fulmore as a strong advocate of the Latinx-owned businesses and residents of Concord’s Monument Corridor.

In his recently self-published book, “To Concord They Have Come,” Fulmore tells the story of several of the early immigrants to settle in the area.

One chapter in the new book features The Barragan family, from the small town of La Soledad in the Mexican State of Jalisco.

The family, writes Fulmore, started with one food truck in 1993. From there, they went on to establish one of the most prominent and extensive family businesses in Concord.  But this story of success is only one of many in the book.

A new culture

The book includes a chapter on the history of Mexico, up to the 1970s. By then, the author notes a modern Mexican culture had already developed in Mexico. This culture differed greatly from the earlier culture established by the Spanish in California and the American Southwest.

In another chapter, Fulmore explains some of the reasons why Mexicans began a mass emigration to the U.S. in the 1970s. It also explores why they came to Concord,  which had developed  into an “arrival city,” especially for migrants from the Mexican states of Michoacan and Jalisco.

The book includes profiles of many prominent Latinx merchants in The Monument. It also highlights other Latinx who have become successful as immigrants.

A final chapter discusses the future of Latinx in Concord.

Copies of the book are available at Berkshire Books, 3480 Clayton Rd, in Concord.