California Educator

June/July 2021

Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1380872

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 19 of 55

Ronald Takaki was a pioneer in bringing up race in American history when it was so often ignored or pushed aside. He was a professor, scholar and author. Originally from Hawaii, he helped found the first-ever ethnic studies department at UCLA. He taught the first Black history class there. People walked in expecting a Black professor and said, "Whoa, it's an Asian dude." The shock and awe were real conversation start- ers. Later, at UC Berkeley, he created the first ethnic studies Ph.D. program in the country. He wanted to tell the narrative of different ethnic groups instead of just the white nar- rative. He is remembered for challenging his students with this question: How do you know what you know? His work addressed the stereotype of Asian Americans as the model minority who are successful and well-adjusted Dolores Huerta, age 91, embraces the ideals that make America a success and serves as an inspiration for countless people, including myself. Huerta provides a model of the impact we can make when setting our minds to cor- rect any disparity. Including Huerta in history lessons gives students an example of what can be achieved with dedication and perseverance. As the co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), she worked diligently advocating for farmworkers' rights. From improving work- ing conditions to fighting for a livable wage, Huerta is an American hero who has funda- mentally changed the lives of some of the most disenfranchised in our populace. For me, her impact was felt directly. As farmworkers, my parents benefited from the efforts of the UFW, Cesar Chavez and Huerta. Eddric Le/Wikimedia Commons MICHELLE BAN S O C I A L S T U D I E S T E A C H E R , R O S E M E A D H I G H S C H O O L El Monte Union Educators Association SERGIO DE ALBA R . M . M I A N O E L E M E N T A R Y S C H O O L Los Banos Teachers Association compared to other minorities. It's a stereotype because many Asian Americans live in pov- erty and struggle. He believed the myth was wrongly used to justify not helping minority groups facing socio-economic challenges. His books include A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America and Strang- ers From a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans. He died in 2009, at the age of 70. Growing up as an Asian American woman, I didn't see my story in many textbooks. But his works make me feel that I am indeed a part of the history of this country. If students learned of the inequalities these workers faced, they would think differently of the farmworkers who pick the fruits and vege- tables that feed our country. As a teenager, I joined my parents in the fields. I saw firsthand the difference Huerta had made. More than a drink of water or the availability of a bathroom, it was a sense of humanity that she helped to provide, an idea that farmworkers are more than laborers — they are human beings. When we include individuals from all cultures that have contributed to our great nation's history, it empowers us all and makes America a better country. 18 cta.org "His works make me feel I am indeed a part of the history of this country." Michelle Ban "As a teen, I joined my parents in the fields. I saw firsthand the difference Huerta had made." Sergio de Alba Feature

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of California Educator - June/July 2021