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How Can Ordinary People Change History?

Welcome to the Mendez Freedom Trail and Tribute Monument

On March 2, 1945, a group of brave families began to change history by challenging segregation in Orange County schools. On that day, attorney David Marcus filed Mendez, et al v. Westminster School District of Orange County, et al, in a federal district court in Los Angeles. The petition carried the names of Gonzalo Mendez of Westminster, along with the Guzman, Palomino, Estrada and Ramirez families of Orange County. The case would have a profound impact on the entire nation.

The Mendez Freedom Trail and Tribute Monument tells the story of this case, starting in 1943, when Sylvia Mendez and her brothers Gonzalo, Jr., and Jerome tried to enroll in 17th Street School in Westminster. The Mendez children were American citizens who were born in the United States and spoke English.

However, because of their Mexican heritage, they were told they had to attend Hoover School, known as the Mexican school; 17th Street School was for white students only.

Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez and the families who joined them did not accept this segregation of their children. They stood up for the American principles described in the Declaration of Independence and showed that ordinary people can change history.

As you read the interpretive panels along Hoover Street and visit the monument on Westminster Boulevard, you will learn about many people who have stood up to put our American principles into practice. You will further learn how we can put our principles into practice today to make our nation a better place for everyone.