Rio Vista, an old farmworker camp in Socorro, Texas, was recently designated a National Historic Landmark after a decade-long effort led by Victor Reta, the recreation director of the community center. The site was where Mexican men were recruited into the U.S. under the Bracero Program during World War II, setting the foundation for migrant labor pipelines that exist today.
With this new recognition, Rio Vista joins a larger effort to reshape how America’s history is told. The National Park Service, under President Joe Biden, is investing millions to highlight a broader range of American stories. This includes honoring African American history, Asian American history, the LGBTQ community, and Native American tribes through grants and new national monuments.
However, at the same time, many states are passing laws limiting the teaching of Black, Latino, and LGBTQ history in public schools. Former President Donald Trump, known for his celebratory vision of America’s past, plans to build a National Garden of American Heroes if re-elected.
The effort to recognize more diverse landmarks could become a political issue, especially with the GOP’s recent stance on diversity initiatives. The National Park Service believes it is essential for all Americans to see themselves and their histories in the country’s landmarks, promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the nation’s past.afür alle Amerikanerinnen in Frage kommen, damit Bürgerinnen aller Hintergründe die großartige amerikanische Geschichte kennen und schätzen lernen können”, sagte sie und fügte hinzu, dass der Garten “rechtzeitig zum 250. Geburtstag Amerikas am 4. Juli 2026 abgeschlossen werden soll, um unserem Land zu helfen, stolz und vereint zu sein”.
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www.usatoday.com
