NE students learned about the struggle of Mexican-Americans to gain rights during a presentation for Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 22.
Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco spoke about her book No Mexicans, Women or Dogs Allowed: The Rise of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement.
Orozco said her intentions were to inform people about Mexican-American history and the origins of LULAC, an organization founded in an effort to fight the discrimination that many Hispanics faced in the early 20th century.
She said the founding fathers of LULAC were important, but, regrettably, many people have no information on them.
“Everyone knows Cesar Chavez,” she said. “My book is the first to name these [founding fathers] people.”
Orozco said when LULAC was formed, it was exclusive to Mexican-American males. Mexican immigrants were excluded because of rights controversies.
When Orozco asked if any Mexican-Americans were present for the lecture, a handful of students stood up. Orozco asked the students why they were in college.
Student Nelson Pacheco said it was to “build up his career.”
Audience member Raymond Martinez said he was a Vietnam War veteran, and the subject of Hispanic discrimination was sensitive to him.
“I’m the first one [in my family] to get a college degree,” he said. “I’m trying to set an example for my family.”
Orozco said everyone should learn more about Mexican-American history and the progress that it is making.
Dr. Magdalena de la Teja, NE vice president for student development services, was instrumental in bringing Orozco to the campus.
“She is one of the pioneers that has researched the history of LULAC. Her insight is extremely informative,” she said.
— Amad Ali
