When I was 11, I joined MEChA in the Segundo Barrio, in South El Paso. That was back in 1971, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. MEChA stands for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán, a group of students who stood up for their rights and celebrated their culture. I was the youngest in the group, but I felt like I belonged right away. We met after school and on weekends, learned more about our history, and planned ways to make our schools better for everyone. I learned about Viva la Causa, Sí, se puede!, La Raza, Chicano and Black Power, All Power to the People, and others. At the time, they didn’t mean that much to me - but life manifested the significance of these words and phrases to me in powerful ways.
One day, during a MEChA meeting, someone brought a television into the auditorium and plugged it in. I remember watching Jesse Jackson deliver a speech in which he led the audience in chanting, “I Am Somebody.” I was 11 then, and I remember sitting on the floor with my friends, watching the screen. The camera showed people from all walks of life chanting, “I am somebody!” repeatedly. It was simple, but it hit me hard.
His message transcended race or gender. It was about identity, social justice, and the power to make a difference from where you stand, no matter who you are. This was very much in line with his mentor's position, the Reverend Martin Luther King. His contributions and global impact will forever be remembered.
And as I got older, I came to understand that no matter the color of your skin, your gender, or where you’re from, you matter. I started reading more about him and his work with Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition - the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
He became a strong influence in my life.
Fast forward to 1984. I was in my twenties, and Jesse Jackson came to El Paso while running for president, so I went to see him. The crowd was full of energy. Jackson spoke about hope, unity, and fighting for everyone’s rights—not just one group's, but all people's. When he got the crowd chanting, “I am somebody,” it brought me right back to that MEChA meeting years before. It felt like everything had come full circle.
Those experiences, including joining MEChA, watching “I Am Somebody,” and meeting Jesse Jackson, helped to shape who I am. He taught me that change starts with ordinary people who believe in themselves and each other. I became a career educator, believing that I could make a difference. Even now, I remember those lessons and try to live by them every day.
The world will miss him.
Founded by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change. The organization has a long-standing mission to protect and defend civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing field and ensuring social justice and peace.