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What Is The Zoot Suit Riots Of The 1940s

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The start of the Zoot Suit Riots of the 1940s started a long awaited and very much needed civil rights movement for Mexican American people which then transitioned into the Chicano Movement. Not only did the Chicano movement pave the way for Latino men but, it also helped Latina women gain their civil rights. The Chicano movement not only civically helped Chicanos in America but it brought social awareness to the negative stereotypes of Mexican Americans. To those outside of the Chicano movement it seemed as if Chicanos had turned their backs on the country that turned them away. To Chicanos it not only embodied the fight and struggle that Mexican Americans faced but it also meant that Chicanos are here to stay. While the movement focused on …show more content…

Marcus suggested that Mendez case would be stronger if he could prove that not only Westminster but other districts in Orange County also segregated Mexican American students. Mendez and Marcus began contacting Mexican Americans in different communities. Parents were afraid to get involved due to the fear of repercussions of being involved, others were content to have their children attend segregated schools because of their close proximity to home, while other parents sponsored meetings to talk about the case. However, the local Mexican American organizations that existed declined to support the case out of belief that it could not be won. While looking for people Mendez and Marcus quickly uncovered the regional segregation that other parents had …show more content…

The Board members took the petitions and discarded them soon after receiving them. In March 1968, 10,000 Students at five area schools walked out. This was the largest student walkout in the history of the United States, the students had captured the attention of the board. A revised curriculum to include Mexican/Chicano history and culture, the recruitment of more Mexican-American teachers, and an end to the tracking of Chicano Students into vocational education, and the removal of racist teachers. Smaller class size and upgraded libraries were also wanted. Chicano students wanted a better education and an opportunity to go to

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