“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

Life in the Fields

Bracero Program -› 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› 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 › 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. 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