Segregation of Hispanics..
Some wonder how this State has had its reputation tarnished..? To understand this you must first understand its history..?
Arizona has so much beauty, and is filled with so much to see and do. Inherently, it is one of the more diverse States in the US. It has a rich and deep heritage -with Southwest cultures and traditions.
So why has Arizona decided to take the path of hate.? This may be partially attributed to the 'transplants' who come here. This group compromises everyone -from Snowbirds who come during the cold months, to the retirees who inhabit communities like Sun City, to those just seeking a place to raise their families outside of their original home States. All one has to do is look at the weather in Az., and it is easy to see how this decision is made.
Those who are from here, have seen the division of its most influential and largest minority population through its fledgling years. This group is the Hispanic community and compromises 1/3 of the States population. One can easily understand this, as geographically it is on the border with the country of Mexico.
Most in the State are several generation Hispanic families --while some can be as recent as first generation? The argument that ..."we didn't cross the border the border crossed us"... is very relevant in Az. As there is evidence in all the Southwest States of the US claiming this land that was already previously inhabited and occupied by this group.
In Arizona, the hate is not new by any means.? Take for instance one of Az.'s largest and more historical natural resource-Copper. This State is rich in mineral deposits, which has lured the mining industry, to a time that dates back before Arizona was a State. It is here, where some are not aware of.., that the hate and bigotry was deeply rooted.
The mining companies liked to exploit the Mexican labor force, while the White miners were afforded better pay and benefits. The mining communities were also segregated -as this was common practice in most Hispanic/White communities in the Southwest.
Arizona was no exception-as it was common for the mining towns to spring up right next to each other and call themselves two different towns. For example, Morenci (Whites) and Clifton (Hispanics). Other communities sprung up similarly, like Ray/Sonora, Bisbee/Douglas, Globe/Miami, Superior old/new, and others. (Some of these towns still exist today) This was common and set up for segregation of the Labor Unions, in these mines.
The Mexican/American miners were not allowed to join the Union that the White miner had representing them. Subsequently the White miners reaped the privileges of having a collective voice representing them, meanwhile the Hispanics were generally treated and paid worst.
This came to a head in the 30's, 40's and 50's, when the Unions as a whole, saw that they did not have leverage without the Mexican/American miners. The Unions asked this minority group to join the cause against the very spiteful and vindicative mining companies.
The Unions brought a desegregation of sorts to the State in its early years. Though it was not without its casualties as these communities have never forgotten their past. To them -the damage will always be there, most have not forgotten. This is still evident for the towns that exist.., these communities are for the most part still segregated today.
The schools and the treatment of the Hispanic students in these areas and others, are another subject, which will be brought up and highlighted on this series..
Part-2 of this series will highlight the attack on Hispanic communities, and Barrios.
Regards,
Truth
