Latinos and Native Americans Seek Equality

During the 1960’s, the Latino

population in the United States grew

from 3 million to more than 9 million.

Today the Latino population includes people from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba,

the Dominican Republic, Central

America, and South America.

The growing Latino population enriched American society. Latinos spread their culture, including language, literature,

cuisine, and music.

The influx of Latinos also had negative effects-overcrowding in cities, increased crime, higher

unemployment and in recent times -illegal immigration.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRI5vD2pBPA

Recognizing their disadvantaged position in society, Latinos began to organize in the 1960’s.

Cesar Chavez• Formed the United Farm Workers Union.• Went on a three week fast

and launched a nationwideboycott of grapes when grape growers refused torecognize the union.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcZKjIva2Js&feature=related

Cesar Chavez

The activities of the California farm workers helped to inspire other Latino “brown power” movements across the

country.

Latinos began to demand that schools offer Spanish-speaking children classes taught in their own language as well as programs about their culture. In 1968, Congress

enacted the Bilingual Education Act.

Native Americans Seek Greater Autonomy

• Have been the poorest of Americans

• Highest unemployment rate

• High rate of alcoholism, suicide, and infant mortality.

The American Indian Movement (AIM) began in 1968 largely as a self-defense group against police brutality, it

soon branched out to include protecting the rights of large Native American populations in northern and western

states.

Confronting the Government

Native Americansoften used militarytactics to confrontthe government. The Indians of AllTribes seized andoccupied Alcatraz.

AIM, led by Russell Means, seized and occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Washington, D.C., and

the town of Wounded Knee in South Dakota.

Native American Victories1975- Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act – gave tribesgreater control over their own affairs and children’s education.

1970’s -1980’s - Native Americans went to federal court with copies of old land treaties and reclaimed land throughout the United States including 44 million acres in Alaska.

Stereotyping and Sports Mascotshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hJFi7SRH7Q