Last night I met an amazing woman! Her name is Sylvia Mendez. When she was just a little girl the local school board wouldn't let her or her brothers attend school in their neighborhood because she was Mexican? Can you believe that, my loves?
Her father took the case to the courts and they won! Because of Sylvia the California schools were desegregated in 1947.
She travels the country encouraging children to get an education, and in 2011 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor.
Well guess what? We met her last night! She was excited to learn that I was also from California and said she was just visiting San Jose where mama and I grew up.
We then saw a whole play about her life called Separate is Never Equal. The Rochester Latino Theater Company did a wonderful job, and the city of Rochester issued an official proclamation recognizing Sylvia's efforts to improve education nationwide. Now the Rochester City School District will be teaching their students about her life. Bridget and I hope that the Brockport School District will follow suit.
We bought a book about her life for you to share. She signed it to you both, so take good care of it. She is a very import person, and when you read the story remember all she did for the Latino community.
With love,
Tia Chrissy & Cousin Bridget
1 comment:
That's wonderful.
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