Emma Tenayuca: Latina Labor Activist

Emma Tenayuca was a prominent Latina labor activist who fought against economic and racial inequalities during the Great Depression. She became involved in activism at a young age, joining the Communist Party and the Workers Alliance of America. Emma played a crucial role in organizing the pecan shellers' strike in Texas, advocating for better wages and working conditions. Despite facing anti-communist backlash and FBI surveillance, she continued her activism, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for workers' rights.

What motivated Emma Tenayuca to become involved in labor activism?

• A personal experience with poor working conditions

• Her education in economics

• Listening to public speakers

• Her family's influence

What was the primary goal of the pecan shellers' strike led by Emma Tenayuca?

• To promote women's rights in the workplace

• To demand higher wages and better working conditions

• To gain recognition for the union

• To reduce working hours

How did Emma Tenayuca handle the attention she received during the pecan shellers' strike?

• She moved to another city to avoid the media

• She embraced the spotlight to further her career

• She stepped back to keep the focus on the workers

• She used the attention to start a political campaign

What was one of the consequences Emma Tenayuca faced due to her activism?

• She was elected to a government position

• She was offered a teaching position at a university

• She received numerous awards for her work

• She was placed under FBI surveillance

What lasting impact did Emma Tenayuca have on society?

• She was appointed as a judge

• She founded a major labor union

• She showed that a young woman of color could make a significant difference

• She became a famous author