From courtrooms to the streets — The spark for activism never fades.
Latino communities have always sparked change — in classrooms, courtrooms, workplaces and streets. Explore stories of resilience and courage that shaped civil rights and freedoms, and see how they continue to inspire activism today.
Activism examples
Mendez v. Westminster (1946)
In 1946, 8-year-old Sylvia Mendez was denied entry to a “whites only” school in California. Her parents and community took legal action — and won. That victory ended school segregation in California and paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
TODAY:
Communities continue to spark change by standing up for equal access to quality education.
Operation Wetback (1954)
In 1954, the U.S. government deported more than 1 million people of Mexican descent — including many U.S. citizens and legal residents. Families were separated simply because they “looked Mexican.”
TODAY:
Families still face separation pressures and racial profiling. Communities respond through support networks, legal aid and collective care to keep families safe.
Sylvia Rivera (1969)
In 1969, Sylvia Rivera, a trans Latina activist, helped spark the Stonewall Uprising and co-founded STAR to support LGBTQ+ youth. She devoted her life to creating safe spaces and demanding dignity for those too often ignored.
TODAY:
Community-led organizations and youth advocates carry with resilience her legacy by creating safe spaces, allyship campaigns and youth-driven leadership.
Rubén Salazar (1970)
Journalist Rubén Salazar exposed racism and inequality in Los Angeles through fearless reporting. While covering a peaceful protest in 1970, he was killed by a tear gas projectile — a tragic moment that became a turning point for press freedom and community rights.
TODAY:
His legacy lives on through truth-tellers who use podcasts, social media and digital storytelling to shine a light on injustice.
White v. Regester (1973)
In 1973, Mexican Americans in Texas challenged district maps that weakened their collective voice. The U.S. Supreme Court sided with them, strengthening protections for fair representation.
TODAY:
Communities continue to advance civic participation through education, organizing and engagement to ensure every voice counts.
Carry the spark — Free to download.
Activism isn’t only about rallies or protests. It always has been about resilience. Today, it lives in memes that call out injustice, thrift hauls that promote sustainability, micro-donations that fuel mutual aid and online movements that celebrate culture. Every generation finds new ways to carry forward our values and traditions.
Take activism with you. This free digital card deck gives you quick, shareable resources to inspire everyday action:
• Know Your Rights community resource guides.
• Historic examples of Latino resilience, leadership and progress
• Motivational affirmations for daily inspiration.
• Support resources to stay connected across the United States.
• Simple ways to make a difference, wherever you are.
Latinos are the spark of America’s economy.
Latinos are 64 million strong, driving $4.1 trillion in economic activity — and we’re just getting started. Nearly 78% of all net new workers this decade will be Latino, and by 2040, Latinos are projected to account for 70% of net new homeowners.
But prosperity must be measured by dignity, stability and mobility — not just GDP. That’s why UnidosUS is advancing a Latino Economic Agenda for Prosperity that focuses on:
Jobs & Wages
Promoting skills-based hiring, fair wages and ensuring AI creates opportunity, not exclusion.
Housing
Updating lending rules, expanding access to starter homes and protecting family wealth.
Small Business
Expanding capital access and procurement opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs.
Family Security & Health
Expanding affordable health care and child care, and strengthening food assistance.
Help us carry the spark of resilience, change and progress forward.
Your support powers UnidosUS programs that protect rights, defend communities and advance opportunity for Latinos. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more equitable future for all.
Become a donor
Your contribution will help fund our work to supporting
policies and projects that support the Latino community.
