Vida en el Valle: 7 Latinos receive Spirit Awards

By: Cynthia Moreno

SACRAMENTO - Sylvia Méndez was eight years old when she was turned away and denied admission to her local school for being Mexican.

She was also banned from going to the community pool, from eating at local restaurants or using the bathrooms. She couldn't live in the same neighborhood where the "white" families lived.

But, she wasn't the only one.

Virtually all children and families of Mexican descent were living in a time of discrimination and segregation.

"Those were terrible times, just horrible. We weren't allowed to speak Spanish or they slapped our hands. Our parents spoke Spanish to one another, but never to us. It was forbidden," said Méndez.

That was Orange County in 1943.

A landmark 1946 federal court case led by the Méndez family changed the lives of Mexican-American children and students all over the country--especially those attending Westminster schools in Orange County.

In 1946, Méndez v. Westminster School District case challenged racial segregation in Orange County schools. In its ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the segregation of Mexican and Mexican-American students into separate "Mexican schools" was unconstitutional.

Méndez -- the lead plaintiff in the case and the eldest daughter of Gonzalo Mendez, a Mexican immigrant and Felicitas Méndez, a Puerto Rican -- has continued the legacy left behind from her parents.

"I have made it a mission to tell students all over the country the value and the importance of getting an education, especially among our Latino youth. The doors are wide open for them. It's just a question of them staying in there," said Méndez.

On Monday, she was among seven Latinos who were honored at the 12th annual 2013 Latino Spirit Awards, an annual celebration organized by the Latino Legislative Caucaus.

Méndez, 76, received the Human Rights Award. She has devoted her entire life to motivating and inspiring Latino youth to stay in school and follow their dreams, always with a realistic approach.

"School isn't easy and I make sure I tell the students that school is hard and challenging and there will be obstacles but in the end, it will be worth it. It's worth staying in school," said Méndez.

Access to education continues to be a challenge for many Latino families.

"I was at a migrant conference last week and I was shocked to see the number of kids who still follow the crops with their parents. Yet, unlike years before, they are staying committed to school and have a desire to get higher education," said Méndez.

Still, there are many challenges still being faced by Latinos.

"Unfortunately, there are many students who drop out of school to help their parents financially. I try to paint a bigger picture for them. I say 'Isn't it better to go to school, finish college and become a teacher, doctor, nurse? How much more will you be able to help your parents then as a working professional?'" said Méndez.

Though segregation is illegal -- and despite the efforts made of the Méndez family -- Méndez believes segregation among Latinos persists.

"It comes in different forms. We all have opportunities and the chance at achieving the American Dream, but for us, it comes with great challenges and great sacrifice. The playing field isn't the same for all of us," said Mendez.

Her parents -- both pioneers in the civil rights movement years before the U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, declared that state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students was unconstitutional -- remained silent about the federal court case.

Days before Felicitas Mendez passed away, she told her daughter to make the case known -- not only for the powerful change it created -- but also for future generations of Latinos.

"One thing I hear a lot from Latino students is that they don't see themselves reflected in the curriculum in our schools. They don't know about this case and how important education has always been to Latinos. But where are our heroes? Why are we not making a fuss about these victories? We need to start doing it," said Méndez.

As a civil rights leader in many ways, Méndez believes Latinos, who have always been pioneers of equal education, are growing in numbers, their political clout is getting stronger and their levels of education are improving as a whole.

But in order to inspire, they must promote their achievements.

"It feels great to be receiving an award created by Latinos for Latinos and to be honored among Latinos. It's a great thing that needs to happen more often," said Méndez.

On Sept. 14, 2007, the Postal Service honored the 60th anniversary ruling of Méndez v. Westminster with a 41-cent commemorative stamp. It is a reminder, said Méndez, of how far Latinos have come and how much more they have to go.

"We come from a different culture, we have a different language and we need all the resources and help we can get to ensure that we can fully integrate into the system but that doesn't come without first instilling real change," said Méndez.

The annual recognition is given by the California Latino Legislative Caucus to outstanding group of leaders for their commitment and work in the fields of film, athletics, literature, art and public service.

This year's honorees also included former Labor Secretary Hilda Solís; union leader Eliseo Medina for public service; Wilson Cruz for entertainment and advocacy, Judith Baca for the arts; Thomas Suárez for the dynamic youth; and, Brenda Villa for athletics/sports.

Contact the Reporter: cmoreno@vidaenelvalle.com