African Americans During Ww2

During the time of World War 2(1939-1945) the United states weren’t just dealing with the battles overseas, but we as a Nation were struggling with racism on the home front. What was known as the good war for bringing America out of its economic slump was not without its cultural, political and social problems. The good war for people of color was a contradiction because just about everything was segregated (come back to this) (Professor Bueno). The country’s false sense of unity broadcasted the governments laconic response to racism and segregation in the country to further support the national agenda (Professor Bueno, 20171113). African Americans weren’t the only ones fighting a seemingly ignored battle, but Mexican Americans endured their

On August 1, 1942 Hank Leyva’s and Dora Barrios were at a local swimming hole that was later discovered to be a notable lovers’ lane. The couple was later assaulted by some local gang members and later left only to retaliate. Hank along with others went to assault a local cabin where Jose Diaz was later discovered as the only casualty. Once police caught wind of this they rounded up 600 Mexican Americans from the ages 13-21 for questioning. La law officials had one thing on their minds and it was the containment of the newly evolved Mexican culture. They saw the Mexicans youth as a possible threat to a more quant society and their rebellious ways will no longer be tolerated. Hank along with 21 others went to trial in The People v. Zamora. There were 17 men were convicted and were sentenced to life in prison. As for the women whom did not receive a trial or jury were sent to The Ventura School for girls. These girls, some teenagers became wards of the state until they reached the age of 21(The Zoot Suit Riots, 2002). Factually, the case was over turned due to improper council by judge Charles Fricke. These men and women knew that they weren’t on trial for the murder of Jose Diaz because there was no hard evidence that lead to any real involvement (The Zoot Suit Riots, 2002). They were being targeted because of their race and inability to conform to a proper society. Incidentally, this form of rebellion all started with a