People of Mexican descent, like other people of color, often faced exclusion from public spaces during early to mid-twentieth century. Yet, there has been little documentation of Mexican American experiences of racism during the era of segregation in eastern Kansas.

 

In 1992, Jesse Alcala, a first-generation Mexican American veteran of World War II from Topeka. Alcala recounted his experience upon his return home:

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“I had served my country proudly in the Pacific. I was in my uniform with my medals on it and I was very proud of what I had done for my country.”

 

Alcala said he stopped at a diner in his uniform and ordered a burger at the counter. Alcala then said that recounted that the man behind the counter told him that he was not allowed to dine inside the restaurant.

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"I looked up and read a sign that said ‘Coloreds, Mexicans and Indians Served in Sacks Only.’ I told the man he could keep his hamburger and I walked out. I was only a Mexican to them and no matter how hard I tried I would never be an American in their eyes.”

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[1] Jesse Alcala, interview by Lorena Lopez, July 1992, 11.

[2] Jesse Alcala, 11.