There have been many civil issues in the history of the United States and many important people have tried to solve these problems in our society. Dolores Huerta is one of these people. She is known all around the world for her dedication and work to improve the working conditions of minorities in her community and to fight against the discrimination faced by agricultural workers. Dolores came from a very poor Mexican family and lived in Stockton, California, a very large agricultural community. From a young age, Huerta was aware and exposed to all racism and discrimination not only towards Mexicans, but also to people of other races, such as Filipinos, African Americans, and Chinese, who also resided in the same community. Dolores began working in a smaller association in her town for agricultural rights, and that was where she met César Chávez. Together, in 1962, they established an organization called the National Farm Workers Association. The first thing she did was to fight for the removal of the Bracero Program, an agreement between Mexico and the United States that allowed Mexican workers to come to the United States to work in the agricultural industry. Finally, she and the National Farm Workers Association helped terminate the agreement. Huerta and Chávez worked together to eradicate poor working conditions in the countryside and also promoted several boycotts that consisted of not buying lettuces and grapes, which resulted in the creation of a legislation that allowed field workers to reach an agreement with their employers to improve working conditions and to receive a higher salary. Despite her success, this was not easy for Dolores. Because of the boycotts, strikes, and campaigns, many disliked her. She was arrested more than 20 times, being physically assaulted by the police who broke her ribs. In any case, Huerta persisted and even risked her life on many occasions to impact the lives of others. All her efforts are recognized by the Latin American community, especially those that were directly affected. Today, Dolores Huerta continues her work to improve civil problems in our society. She works through her organization called the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which consists of several programs that motivate young people in our society to take action against civil problems and also to develop leaders for the future.
Wrote the “I have a Dream Speech” in his speech he stated that there should be equal rights and civil rights. It all began with millions of people filling the streets of Washington D.C. Everyone was shouting at their top of the lungs saying Mr.King’s name over and over again, some joining him in his movement towards equality, and others opposing it. Everyone was holding up signs and showing him love. Crowds filled the massive area around National Mall overlooking the most beautiful scenery of D.C. As Dr. King approached the podium, the crowd began cheering louder than I have ever heard before. In the moments leading up to Dr. King expressing his first few words, you could almost feel the passion that was about to be delivered through his words. He had a look of determination on his face and the poise of an individual that would not go unheard of.
One woman who refused to give up her seat initiated one of the many important movements that would contribute to the reform of a segregated society. Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Born into one of the many heavily segregated areas of that time, she had witnessed racial discrimination as a part of her childhood. The oppression was also present in her school life. The school she went to lacked basic necessities for a good education. The students of her school also weren't provided transportation while the school for white kids had free bus transportation. She never finished her education because she had to go back home to care for her sick grandmother and mom. Rosa married a member of the NAACP at age 19. Raymond Parks. Through the influence of her new husband, she finished high school, and joined the NAACP in 1943. The day she changed history was December 1, 1955 when she refused to give up her seat and was arrested. This started what we know today as the “Montgomery Bus Boycott”. People were encouraged to not take the bus to protest the unfair treatment of black people on the bus. This boycott lasted 381 days starting the day of Rosa’s trial Monday, December 5, 1955.