1. Latinos Seek Equality

2. During the 1960’s, the Latino population in the United States grew from 3 million to more than 9 million. Today the Latino population includes people from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Central America, and South America.

3. The growing Latino population enriched American society. Latinos spread their culture, including language, literature, cuisine, and music.

4. The influx of Latinos also had negative effects- overcrowding in cities, increased crime, higher unemployment and in recent times -illegal immigration. http://www.youtube-Illegal_Immigration http://www.youtube-Illegal_Immigration

5. Recognizing their disadvantaged position in society, Latinos began to organize in the 1960’s. Cesar Chavez Formed the United Farm Workers Union. Went on a three week fast and launched a nationwide boycott of grapes when grape growers refused to recognize the union. You Tube: Cesar Chavez Cesar Chavez

6. The activities of the California farm workers helped to inspire other Latino “brown power” movements across the country.

7. Latinos began to demand that schools offer Spanish- speaking children classes taught in their own language as well as programs about their culture. In 1968, Congress enacted the Bilingual Education Act.