“Rights for Hispanics” Chapter 20 Section 2

Thinking Slide: Explain the quote (in your own words): “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” -Cesar Chavez

Background: Political Activism Discrimination during World War II I know I’m a Mexican, but I know that I was born and raised here and I consider myself strictly an American. And anybody asks me, what’s my nationality, I say, well I’m a Mexican but I’m still an American. And I’ll fight for America. — Pete Arias, THE WAR Estimated 250,000 to 500,000 Hispanics fought in WWII Hector P. Garcia American GI Forum

Background: Legislation League of United Latin American Citizens Goal was to make living conditions better for future generations of Mexican Americans Focus: Civil Rights, Education, and Employment Mendez v. Westminster School District 1945 Delgado v. Bastrop Independent School District 1948 Mendez Case- In 1945, Mexican parents tried to enroll their children into the Main Street Elementary School located in the Westminster School District, Orange County, California. Main Street School was an Anglo school not an integrated school. The children were turned away from the school and sent to Hoover School (see photograph above), a "Mexican" elementary school. One such family was the Mendezes (see photograph below). As the Mendez parents, Gonzalo and Felicitas, attempted to enroll their children at the Main Street School their children were refused admission because they were Mexican. McCormick found that '"the segregation of Mexican Americans in public schools was a violation of the state law"" and unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment because of the denial of due process and equal protection. Thus, McCormick struck down systematic segregation in public schools in California. Delgado- In 1948, with the support of LULAC and the legal assistance of Gus Garcia, Minerva Delgado and 20 other parents of Mexican American children filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas challenging the segregation of their children in five Texas public school districts. Thus began the case of Delgado, et. al. v. Bastrop Independent School District, et. al. In their complaint for the Mexican American parents, the attorneys argued that the school districts had “prohibited, barred, and excluded” Mexican American children from attending public school with “other white school children” in violation of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment BROWN V BOARD WAS IN 1954

Life in the Fields Bracero Program - National Farm Workers Association Imported temporary contract workers from Mexico to the U.S. during WWII National Farm Workers Association Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Higher wages for grape Workers in California

Cesar Chavez Nonviolent approach National Farm Workers Association Ganhdi & MLK National Farm Workers Association Symbol: "A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride . . . When people see it they know it means dignity."

National Farm Workers Association Life as a farm worker: Were making 90 cents an hour No restroom facilities Poor Hygiene Average life expectancy (64 – 8 years below National Average) NFWA wanted: Higher wages (Increase to $1.50/hr) Union representation Better working conditions

Chicano Movement Chicano Movement Led by Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Name given for the struggle to end discrimination and increase cultural pride by younger Hispanics Led by Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Student walkouts and picket lines led to: Elementary & Secondary Education Act Recognized needs of students who did not speak English

New Laws that passed: Elementary and Secondary Ed. Act- acknowledged the needs of students who did not speak English Bilingual Ed. Act of 1974 – supplied federal funds for bilingual programs until Mexican-Americans knew English By 1970, the Hispanic population in the U.S. had increased to 10 million What is the Hispanic population in the U.S. today? 54 million (largest minority group in the U.S)

Farewell Chavez Cesar Chavez had died peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 1993. On August 8, 1994, Helen Chavez, Cesar’s widow had accepted the Medal of Freedom for her husband from President Clinton at a White House ceremony.

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed “Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.” -Cesar Chavez