The Bricks before Brown: The Chinese American, Native American, and Mexican Americans' Struggle for Educational Equality

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1954 that state laws establishing racial segregation are unconstitutional, known as Brown v. Board of Education. Marisela Martinez-Cola writes about the many important cases that led to the culmination of Brown, revealing the significance of Chinese American, Native American, and Mexican American segregation cases. Comparing and discussing the meaning of these other court cases strengthens the standing of Brown while revealing the twists and turns inherent in the struggle for equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

In a landmark decision in 1954, the United States Supreme Court declared that state laws establishing racial segregation were unconstitutional, recognizing the inherent inequality of separate treatment. This seminal case, known as Brown v. Board of Education, emerged as a monumental victory in the civil rights movement. Marisela Martinez-Cola delves into the intricate legal battles that paved the way for Brown, shedding light on the numerous families who courageously challenged segregated schooling in state and federal courts across the country. Eleven of these cases, involving Chinese American, Native American, and Mexican American plaintiffs, played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of Brown. Martinez-Cola's insightful analysis reveals the profound impact of these cases on the broader civil rights movement, emphasizing the significance of Chinese American, Native American, and Mexican American narratives within the larger tapestry of the movement. By highlighting these specific cases, she fosters a deeper understanding of the civil rights struggle across racial, gender, and class lines. Martinez-Cola's approach involves comparing and discussing the significance of other court cases that led to the Brown decision, further strengthening the case's standing and illuminating the complex twists and turns inherent in the pursuit of equality. Through her comprehensive analysis, Martinez-Cola contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the civil rights movement and its enduring legacy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820362021