U.S. Social Movements through Biography

Introduction

Latinx figures are always missing from U.S. history books. There are some figures that are seen in history books, but Latinx figures are ignored in American history. Many of my heritage students cannot recognize figures like Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez or Roberto Clemente. I teach Heritage Spanish, and, in the course, heritage speakers can learn about history that is part of their heritage and that is normally not taught in the public school system. The textbook and curriculum that is offered for this course does not contain a variety of Latinx figures (for example, Afro Latinx figures are missing from these textbooks). The lack of Latinx figures in textbooks and curriculum is not just in history courses, but also in the language courses. The Spanish textbook and curriculum that is provided by the district is Eurocentric in the culture, grammar, and vocabulary portions of the textbook. This can be frustrating for Heritage students who do not see themselves represented in any course.

I would love for heritage students to learn about the impact that Latinx figures that have made an impact on American history. This unit will introduce students to Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Celia Cruz and Roberto Clemente, among others. It is important for Heritage students to see the contributions made by people who look like them because Heritage students feel voiceless and invisible. We will focus on Latinx figures and social movements in the 20^th century. I will be focusing on three types of Latinx figures: social activists, celebrities, and athletes. I want my Heritage Spanish students to see figures that look like them who are active in social causes. During my years of teaching, I have seen my Latinx students become more involved in social movements that affect them, like gun control, teacher walkouts, Black Lives Matter protests and DACA demonstrations. If students see people like them and from the same background as them participating in social movements and using their platform, what is to stop Latinx students from doing the same? This unit is meant to empower my Heritage students to use their voice and collective power to change their world.