The fourth section of ¡Presente! is “Shaping the Nation.”
The case explores three main themes. On the left side of the case: Latinos and Latinas building community; in the middle of the case: Latinos and Latinas fighting for justice; on the right is Latinos and Latinas breaking boundaries.
Building Community: Label Text and Object Descriptions
Latino communities have been built by local leaders.
Grandmothers, teachers, doctors, business owners, activists, artists, and many others have worked together to make a difference. The diverse stories of Cuban priest Félix Varela, the Black Dominican activist Carlos Cooks, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) are all rooted in the needs of their communities.
For many Latinas and Latinos, the concept of community goes beyond ethnicity or nationality. It finds purpose in bringing people together to build a just society for all. The objects and stories here come from California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
Fighting for Justice: Label Text and Object Descriptions
The history of Latinas and Latinos has been shaped by the struggle for justice.
At first these struggles involved specific Latino communities. In the 1800s, Mexican Americans fought early legal battles for their civil rights. Later, Latinas and Latinos began to mobilize in response to issues that affect multiple U.S. communities. Latino groups have fought for fair labor practices, education access, safe housing, immigration and criminal justice system reform, and LGBT rights, among other issues. Historically, many Latinas and Latinos have been disenfranchised. This led to a tradition of coalition building with diverse U.S. communities. Latinas and Latinos continue to work alongside others to make a more just and inclusive society.
Breaking Boundaries: Label Text and Object Descriptions
Latina and Latino boundary breakers have shaped U.S. history. They set new standards for excellence, creativity, and civic participation.
They are activists, artists, athletes, military veterans, small business owners, and many others. Some, like Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor, have entered spaces where no Latina and Latino have been before. Many have left their creative mark on struggles for justice. They fought racial segregation in schools and demanded LGBT rights. Their distinct experiences defy any single representation of the U.S. Latino experience. The stories displayed here show how Latinas and Latinos have energized U.S. culture and democracy.
Signature Object: Ellen Ochoa’s NASA Helmet
In 1993, Mexican American research engineer Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina to go to space. There, she researched the earth’s ozone layer. Ochoa, who grew up in Mesa, California, wore this helmet while flying NASA T-38 jets during training.
