In this series of interviews by SEMAP we look back on the history of El Monte's Mexican nieghborhoods or "barrios". Most of them were on the edges of the city and unincorporated into El Monte proper. Medina Court, Hicks Camp, Canta Ranas, South El Monte (before incorporation), and others.
Oral Histories on Life and Education in El Monte and South El Monte
In this series, SEMAP explores the issue of Education in El Monte and South El Monte. EM/SEM were segregated spaces until the middle of the twentieth century with a seperate school system for White and Mexican/Asian students. These interviews include the accounts of educators, activists, account of going to segregated schools, and the current leaders of the school system. They explore a wide range of issues related to education but also life in these communities.
In this series of items and interviews SEMAP interviewer Nick Jeravich explores the history of South El Monte and its City of Achievement awards. This series is part of the matericals that accompany the City of Achievement historical essay.
In this, the main historical series in the SEMAP collection, we interview a wide range of people in the EM/SEM and San Gabriel Valley about the history of the region. Interviews include Native Americans, longtime Latino residents, recent immigrants, important locals, and people who have worked to preserve the memory of the region.