# John J. Herrera

John James Herrera (April 12, 1910 – October 12, 1986) was an American attorney, activist, and leader in the Chicano Movement.

## Early life and education

John J. Herrera was born on April 12, 1910, in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, but grew up in Houston, Texas Herrera Attended different elementary schools in San Antonio, Galveston, and Houston, Texas. Herrera grew up in an era when segregation and unequal treatment were common, especially for people of Mexican descent. Texas, in particular, was marked by racial and ethnic tensions, and Mexican Americans were often subjected to systemic barriers that limited their opportunities in education, employment, and political participation. They were considered lower-level citizens of America and were often put in low-income neighborhoods because they weren’t natural-born citizens of America.
Texas, where Herrera was raised, was a place divided along racial lines for Mexicans. Mexican Americans were routinely subjected to second-class status, and this occurrence was something that Herrera witnessed and experienced firsthand. Growing up in this environment, he developed a strong sense of injustice and an understanding of the need for change. His early experiences with discrimination made it clear to him that something needed to be done to challenge the system and fight for equal rights.
Though his family faced many of the same challenges as other Mexican American families in Houston, they placed a strong emphasis on education and hard work. Herrera's parents, Juan José Herrera and Antonia Jiménez taught him the values of perseverance and determination. Despite the economic struggles his family faced, education was prioritized as a pathway to a better life.
Herrera’s childhood was marked by the difficulties of growing up as a Mexican American in a segregated society. He recognized that his community’s struggles were systemic, and he saw firsthand how economic, political, and social structures were stacked against people like him. These early experiences planted the seeds for his later decision to become a lawyer—a career he believed would allow him to fight the injustices faced by Mexican Americans.

## Early Education

John J. Herrera attended Sam Houston High School in Houston, which provided him with the foundation to develop his academic and leadership skills. While At Sam Houston High School, Herrera met Lyndon B. Johnson, who was his speech teacher at the time. Mexican American students were often treated as second-class citizens and were frequently placed in lower-level classes. Despite the racial climate, he made his mark by becoming actively involved in student government. His leadership abilities became evident during his high school years, and these skills would prove invaluable later in his legal and activist career.

## South Texas College of Law

John J Herrera attended South Texas College of Law, an institution that had been a major center of legal education in Houston. South Texas College of Law, provided Herrera with the legal training he needed to advocate for justice. For Mexican Americans in particular, becoming a lawyer was a way to access power, challenge discriminatory laws, and fight for the rights of the community. Herrera was driven by a sense of duty to use his legal education to defend and uplift his community.
During his time in law school, Herrera was exposed to the injustices that Mexican Americans faced in the legal system, and he became increasingly motivated to make a difference. His education at South Texas College of Law not only equipped him with the knowledge of legal principles and practices but also solidified his commitment to the civil rights movement. Herrera believed in the idea that the legal system could be used as a tool for social change. Herrera won two important civil rights cases, Delgado vs. Bastrop Independent School District, declaring the school segregation of Hispanics illegal, and Hernández vs. Texas case, the first Hispanic civil-rights case argued before the United States Supreme Court. It became clear to him that the law could be a powerful weapon for addressing racial discrimination and advancing equality.
While in law school, Herrera continued to deepen his awareness of the importance of legal advocacy. He began to see the law as an avenue through which he could challenge the discriminatory practices that were embedded in the American legal system. This understanding led him to seek ways to use his legal education to fight for the rights of Mexican Americans and other marginalized groups.

## Herrera's Legacy in Advocacy of Education

His legacy is evident in the naming of the school, as it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States, especially in communities of color. John J. Herrera Elementary School continues to honor his memory by providing an educational space where all students, regardless of their background, can access quality education and achieve their full potential. The school's naming is not just a tribute to Herrera himself, but to the broader movement for civil rights that he was a part of. It also reflects the importance of community, leadership, and education in advancing social change. The continued presence of his name in the educational system ensures that future generations can learn about the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality, and it serves as an inspiration for students to strive for social justice and contribute positively to their communities.
John J. Herrera’s legacy is an important part of the civil rights movement in the United States. He dedicated his life to fighting for equality and working to improve the lives of Mexican Americans. Through his legal work, his leadership in organizations like LULAC, and his commitment to education and political involvement, Herrera helped make a real difference in the fight for justice. His work paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for civil rights, and his impact is still felt today.

## Career

John James Herrera’s career was marked by his pioneering contributions to civil rights and legal reform for Mexican Americans in Texas. His professional journey reflects decades of commitment to dismantling discriminatory practices through both legal advocacy and active participation in community organizations.

## Early Legal Practice

Herrera began his legal career in Houston, Texas, in 1943, at a time when segregation and employment discrimination were deeply entrenched in America. His entry into the legal field coincided with his long-standing commitment to advancing the rights of Mexican Americans, a cause that had already drawn him to the League of United Latin American Citizens in 1933. Early in his practice, Herrera was quick to recognize that legal advocacy could serve as a powerful tool to challenge systemic discrimination.

## Challenging Employment Discrimination during World War II

During World War II, as Houston’s shipyards played a critical role in the war effort, discrimination against Mexican American workers was widespread. Herrera took an active role in the movement to end discriminatory employment practices. He advocated for fair treatment and equal opportunity in these vital industries, improving the working conditions for many Mexican Americans.

## Legal Cases

One of Herrera’s significant early contributions came in 1948, when he joined the legal team in the case brought by Minerva Delgado against the Bastrop Independent School District. The case addressed the segregation of Mexican American students in public schools, a practice that institutionalized inequality and limited educational opportunities. Herrera helped pave the way for a landmark decision by the Texas Supreme Court. The ruling declared that segregating students based on ethnicity was illegal in Texas, thereby advancing the broader struggle for educational equality and setting important legal precedents for future cases

### Hernandez v. Texas and the Fight for Jury Equality

A historically significant moment in Herrera’s career came with his involvement in the Hernandez v. Texas case. As an important figure in the case, Herrera argued that the systemic exclusion of Mexican American jurors from jury pools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. His legal reasoning underscored the argument that discriminatory practices in jury selection were not only unjust but also unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's decision in favor of Hernandez marked a critical milestone in American civil rights history. It was the first time the Court had explicitly recognized that the protections of the Fourteenth Amendment extended to Mexican Americans, thereby broadening the scope of civil rights protections nationwide.

## Leadership in LULAC and Political Engagement

Herrera’s influence extended well beyond his courtroom victories. As a dedicated member of LULAC since 1933, he was deeply involved in the organization's mission to secure civil rights and social justice for Latino communities. He also became the 21st president of LULAC from 1952 to 1953. During his presidency, he worked to mobilize grassroots support and promote legislative reforms at both the state and national levels.
In addition to his work with LULAC, Herrera was also a committed member of the Democratic Party. His political engagement often intersected with his legal civil rights work, enabling him to influence policy decisions and bring greater attention to the issues facing Mexican American communities . A notable example of his national stature was his role in introducing President John F. Kennedy at a LULAC assembly on November 21, 1963, an event that underscored both his importance in civil rights and the growing political influence of Latino leaders in America

## Legacy

John J. Herrera’s legacy is one of fighting for the rights and equality of Mexican Americans and standing up against unfair treatment. Throughout his life, he worked hard to change the way people of Mexican descent were treated in the United States. He did this as a lawyer, a community leader, and through his involvement in civil rights movements. Herrera’s efforts helped make a real difference in the way Mexican Americans were seen and treated in Texas and across the country.

## Influence in Mexican-American Politics

One of the biggest contributions Herrera made was his role in the Hernandez v. Texas case in 1954. This case involved Pete Hernandez, a Mexican American man who was unfairly excluded from jury duty due to his ethnicity. Herrera argued that this exclusion violated the Constitution and that Mexican Americans should not be left out of juries simply because of their race. The Supreme Court agreed with Herrera, ruling that Mexican Americans deserved the same constitutional protections as other racial and ethnic groups. This decision was a landmark victory for civil rights, marking a turning point in the fight for equal rights for Mexican Americans.
In addition to his legal work, Herrera was an important leader in the League of United Latin American Citizens. This organization worked to improve the lives of Mexican Americans by fighting against discrimination in areas such as voting, education, and employment. Herrera served as the 21st president of LULAC in 1952-1953 and played a crucial role in challenging discriminatory policies such as the white primary system, which prevented Mexican Americans from voting in Democratic primaries.
Herrera strongly advocated for increased Mexican American participation in politics. He understood that voting and political engagement were essential tools for achieving change. He worked to register voters and encourage Mexican Americans to run for public office, believing that greater political representation would lead to policies that benefitted the Mexican American community. Throughout his career, Herrera emphasized that Mexican Americans deserved equal treatment, not just in courtrooms but in all aspects of society. He faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but he remained committed to his vision of justice and equality. His leadership in LULAC, legal battles, and dedication to education and political involvement helped create lasting change for Mexican Americans in Texas and across the U.S.

## Herrera's Legacy in Advocacy of Education

Herrera’s contributions to education and civil rights continue to be recognized today. One example is John J. Herrera Elementary School, named in his honor, which serves as a tribute to his lifelong fight for equality and justice.The naming of the school reflects the ongoing importance of his work and the broader civil rights movement that he was a part of. It stands as a symbol of leadership, education, and community activism, reinforcing the value of social change through learning.
By bearing his name, John J. Herrera Elementary School ensures that future generations learn about his legacy and the struggles for equality faced by Mexican Americans. It serves as an inspiration for students to advocate for social justice and contribute positively to their communities.
John J. Herrera’s legacy remains a crucial part of the civil rights movement in the United States. He dedicated his life to fighting for justice and improving opportunities for Mexican Americans. Through his legal work, leadership in organizations like LULAC, and advocacy for education and political involvement, Herrera paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for equality. His contributions continue to be felt today in legal protections, civic engagement, and educational initiatives inspired by his work.

## Achievements and Activism

John J Herrera as a part of an organization called League of United Latino American Citizens. LULAC is a civil right and volunteer based organization for Hispanic Americans and is the oldest and largest organization in the nation. Their mission is to “advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States.” He held the position as the 21st President of LULAC from 1952-1953. John J. Herrera's administration was able to collect funds to fight against segregation for Mexican-American children and contributed $50,000 in its treasury. As well as establishing 15 total LULAC districts in Texas and in New Mexico, and also taking steps to the build of the LULAC shrine in Corpus Christi, Texas.

## Herrera's biggest cases
### Delgado v Bastrop ISD

In the early years of the 1920’s Texas schools were allowed to segregate Mexican-American students with little curriculum focusing on vocational training. In 1930, LULAC filed a lawsuit against the Del Rio school district in Texas on behalf of the parents of Mexican -American children due to segregation between Mexican Americans and Anglo. The school district's reason as to why students needed to be segregated was to improve English skills and attendance. Even Though, it was ruled that those children should not be segregated the case was appealed leading to the continuation of segregation for Mexican- American children as long as their reason wasn't race or color. Leading to Delgado v. Bastrop, a case won by John J Herrera and Gustavo C. Garcia in 1948. Ruling that it was illegal to segregate Hispanic- American students.

### Hernandez v Texas

In 1954 as part of 1 of the 4 attorneys representing the case to make history by being the first Mexican - American attorney’s to argue before the United States Supreme Court. In 1951 Pete Hernandez was a farm worker convicted of murder in Edna, Texas in Jackson county with an all white jury and life in prison. Due to Mexican- Americans not serving on the jury in 25 years in the county. This fact helped his attorneys appeal his case and argue for denial of the 14th amendment. The case eventually went to the supreme court and ruled that excluding jurors because of ancestors was against the 14th amendment. After the re-trial Pete Hernandez was still found guilty of murder and served 20 years.

## Personal life

Herrera died in Houston in 1986. His papers are archived at the Houston Public Library.

## Trivia

* John J. Herrera Elementary School in Houston, Texas (of Houston ISD) is named after Herrera.
* before studying law, Herrera worked as a barber in Houston.