Separate Is Never Equal

In this children's book, the protagonist, Sylvia, tries to get into a better school than the one she's in now.  The time period is set during the early Civil Rights Movement before Brown v Board of Education happened.  In the West Coast there was segregation of schools as well, but not just for Black students, but Mexican students and other children of color too. Sylvia's family lived close to a white school, but the children couldn't go there because they were not white.  They received worse education and worse treatment just because of their skin color.  Their cousins, who were Mexican but happened to look white, were able to go to the white school.  So obviously there was something wrong here.  With the help of lawyers, other people of color and time, Sylvia's family was finally able to de-segregate some schools in California.  This was a huge win, but it proved the toughness it takes to actually get the basic necessities that every citizen deserves.

When Sylvia's family was climbing the ladder of authority in allowing her to go to a white school, every single person had an unintelligent reason as to why she couldn't.  There was no real "reason", just excuses about how she wouldn't fit in and how the Mexican school was better for her.  Obviously that is a load of bologna.  But that is how it goes in America, even to this day.  When arguing for people of color's protection and true freedom in this country, white people in charge find every excuse as to why that can't happen. They'll blame people of color, they'll ignore the problem, etc.  What it takes to fight the ignorance is to have numbers; people who agree with you.  Furthermore, there needs to be other groups with similar needs to side with you.  Numbers make the difference.  It shouldn't have to, but it does.