TODAY IN TEXAS HISTORY: Latina pecan shellers in 1938 defended rights and freedoms we still rely on today. Here’s how: - ThreadSky

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aclutx.bsky.social • 33 days ago

TODAY IN TEXAS HISTORY: Latina pecan shellers in 1938 defended rights and freedoms we still rely on today.

Here’s how:

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San Antonio, Texas, was home to half of the nation’s pecan industry in the 1930s.

Most of the people who worked as pecan shellers were Latinas, facing dangerous working conditions and drastically little pay.

aclutx.bsky.social•33 days ago

But when several of the pecan companies decided to lower their pay even more, the workers decided to fight back.

On January 31, 1938, the pecan sheller strike began, led by workers’ rights activist Emma Tenayuca.

aclutx.bsky.social•33 days ago

The majority-Latina strikers captured national attention.

The strike was peaceful. Still, they were met with mass arrests, tickets and citations, brutal use of force, and unconstitutional attacks on their right to peacefully assemble.

But the strikers continued.

aclutx.bsky.social•33 days ago

For three months, thousands of brave Texans advocated for better pay, safer working conditions, and their civil rights.

Their advocacy led to advancements in the workers’ rights movement and protections that we still feel today — and the establishment of the ACLU of Texas.

aclutx.bsky.social•33 days ago

Our organization began in Texas by defending Tenayuca and the pecan shellers in 1938.

And today, because of their courage, we’re able to advocate for the rights of all Texans.

Join us: https://aclutx.org/legeadvocates

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