The godparents of the social justice movement in Imperial County, for lack of a better term, gave testament to the fact that to make a difference young people have to start early.
Former California Supreme Court Associate Justice Cruz Reynoso and Rita Medina, the first female president of the Community Service Organization and sister of late farmworker organizer Cesar Chavez, spoke to Calexico High students and community members over the weekend at an event titled “Democracia: The Story of the Community Service Organization in the Imperial Valley.”
This was a timely presentation in that the concept of social justice as a movement has gained much momentum in the past several years, and to see Imperial County’s own history in that is important.
Reynoso, for all the acclaim he has earned, had firm roots in the Imperial Valley, which shaped his career and pursuits for the rest of his life. He was a voice of justice and a voice for the minority, especially for the underserved Latino populations.
Same thing with Medina, who came to the Valley with her brother to champion the plight of the farmworker. Along the way, Medina became an important figure with the statewide Community Service Organization, which sought to empower peoples of color in low-income communities.
Their message is that the work is not done. Social justice and social change are still required in this Valley, in this state and country, and it happens with the fierce determination of the young.
Medina and Reynoso, both of whom are in the latter stages of their lives and careers, stressed to the teens in the audience their need to take up the mantle, but also to not forget the work done by their forebearers.
It was interesting that Reynoso brought up the specter of the past, in that work around these communities of color tended to foster a perception of “us vs. them” thinking, even with angry racial overtones.
He said that was never the case. The communities were always willing to work with all groups for the empowerment and betterment of themselves.
That was an important distinction, because even now, we think there is a false perception that the social movements of the ’50s and ’60s took on a negatively racial connotation. The disenfranchised know no color or race, even when they seem to be of a particular ethnicity.
Reynoso and Medina brought valuable insight to a generation that can be described as disconnected from humanity, because they are so connected technologically. Presentations like this can bridge those digital-human divides.
THE ISSUE:
Local community advocates and organizers speak to teens
WE SAY:
Spreading the message of history was a good way to ensure future participation
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