It's safe to say that most Americans know almost nothing about the more than 1 million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who were forced out of the U.S. during the Great Depression
This week as the warm aroma of marigolds fills the air and candlelit shrines illuminate the faces of those gone, we remember. On November 1 and 2, I will stand before a shrine reminiscent of the film 'Coco,' dedicated to my beloved grandmother who tragically succumbed to COVID, Cecilia Romo, who played on the basketball national team of Mexico and became a renowned actress later in her life.
In the shadow of the Great Depression, over one million Mexicans were exiled from the U.S. These weren't just immigrants. Most, born on American soil, were also U.S. citizens, unknowingly sent to face hunger and hardship in arid regions of Mexico. Businesses, under government pressure, turned their backs on their hard-working Mexican employees, despite their substantial contributions to the American Dream. These were people who had lived, worked, and built lives in America.
Intrigued by this oversight, my school research led to profound discoveries. Partnering with the Mexican Consul in New York City, I brought this hidden chapter to broader platforms. Today, I am committed to spotlighting Hispanic contributions to ensure they are interwoven into America's history. We need to know more about brutalities like the Placita raid in Los Angeles, where over 400 people were detained within an hour, showcase the era's harsh realities.
Efforts to recognize past wrongs emerged in 2004. Though California Senate Bill 427, aimed at reparations, was vetoed by then-Gov. Schwarzenegger, he did sign SB 670, which offered an apology for the repatriation mistreatment. The Day of the Dead is not just about remembrance but also about learning. As I honor my grandmother this week, let's pledge to remember those torn from their American dream and work towards ensuring history doesn't repeat its painful episodes.
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