Blog Post #7
Critical race theory
Separate Is Never Equal
WOW! This text is a very powerful one. Separate Is Never Equal written by Duncan Tonatiuh is a true segregation story that might not be as widely recognized and known as others. The story follows Sylvia Mendez and her family on their journey for an equal education and their fight for racial justice. The story begins with Sylvia and her family trying to be enrolled at a new school in Westminster California. Sylvia was born and raised in America. Her mother was from Puerto Rico and her father was born in Mexico. As Sylvias aunt attempted to enroll her in school she was turned away and told Sylvia and her brothers would have to enroll in the "Mexican" school down the road. Sylvia was so confused, she spoke perfect english and had lived in America all her life. But because of Sylvias last name, Mendez, and her dark hair and skin she was denied from Westminster Elementary. Her parents were outraged and knew their children wouldn't get a quality education at the "Mexican" school, Hoover Elementary. Sylvias father knew he had to take action against this injustice. He tried to gather neighbors and other people from the school to sign a petition to take to Westminster. He was starting to feel defeated when someone suggested he file a lawsuit to take further action. Finally he was getting somewhere and found people to support his trial against the school system. After months and blatant racism displayed in the trials, The Mendez family had won! or so they thought. Another trial was called but this time the Mendez family had an even bigger army of supporters, leagues, associations, and others that supported minorities all banded together to help win this case. On April 15, 1947 the Mendez family won the second trial. This true account of this crucial historical time was beautifully depicted through a children's book that is a must read. The book has received serval awards such as, The Américas Award, Tomás Rivera Award, Jane Addams Award, and the Pura Belpré Illustration Honor.
About the Author
Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican-American award winning author and illustrator. His past and roots bring a cultural authenticity to the text that makes it both authentic and humanizing. Throughout the text there are phrases in Spanish as well as English. In the back of the text there is an authors note that goes in-depth about the historical significance about this story and the further information about Sylvia including pictures. On the following page there is a glossary, index, bibliography, and a section about the text. These aspects add so much to the reading experience and the message the students can take away from the text.
Using this text in the classroom
A large concept that needs to be discussed while reading this text with students, is the misconceptions about segregation in our history. As mentioned in Reading to Make a Difference Chapter 5 by Laminack and Kelly, many students do not realize many other minorities faced similar discriminations and unfair treatment as African-Americans did. This text introduces a whole new perspective on the mistreatment and injustice inflicted on Mexican-Americans as well. Before the shared reading of the text, Separate Is Never Equal written by Duncan Tonatiuh, take a minute and dissect the title and the front cover. Ask students to make predictions on what they think the text is about and who might be involved. After reading the text, look back at the assumptions the students made and discuss why we might assume this. Ask the students if they think this text if fictional or was a true story. In small groups, using laptops and other texts, ask the student to conduct research on the Mendez family and this monumental case. Compare their findings with the way the story was portrayed and ask the students to put themselves in the shoes of the Mendez family. After much research, reading, and empathetic conversations the students will create group podcasts. In small groups, the students will combine their thoughts and findings into a script to record a podcast that will inform the school and community about the Mendez family, their trial, and the misconceptions surrounding segregation. After the writing, editing, and recording, the podcasts will be made available to the school and parents who want to learn more about this subject.
Images representing Critical Race Theory
This spread from the text Separate Is Never Equal, shows Sylvia questioning so much. She has just been told she will not be allowed to enroll in the local school and will have to go to the "Mexican School" simply because of her appearance. She looks at herself critically, her hair, her hands, her arms, her skin, and then looks to her cousins and sees because she looks different she gets treated differently and less fair. She is questioning her name, the way she looks, and is experiencing real and very personal racism.
This next spread shows a very different girl. Sylvia is now playing at the school that once so brutally rejected her due to her race, she is learning along side the "white" kids and holds her head high. She is proud and is reminded of this by her mother who states "So, remember we fought to make sure you could attend a good school and have equal opportunities." After years of fierce fighting, unwavering strength, and determination the Mendez family confronted and combated racism head on.
There are many inferences of each main character in this story rising to the challenge of refuting racism and standing up for what is right.
Sylvias Aunt who refused to enroll her own children into the school when she saw the injustice the school represented.
Mrs. Mendez working the farm to provide for the family while her husband fights for their children's right to a fair education.
Mr. Mendez standing up to the school demanding answers.
The entire Mendez family taking action and seeking support to stand up against the school.
Organizations and associations from all over joining the fight and actively participating in the activism that will win them the case.
No single person or character was the sole reason justice was found. Each person worked together for each other to be involved, take action, and get results.