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Proposition 187 was a California ballot measure passed in 1994 that sought to deny public services to undocumented immigrants.  While the initiative was meant to keep the “immigrant threat” at bay, it mobilized non-immigrants and immigrants in Latino communities as well as their allies across the state. The political awakening of this powerful group would dramatically change the state’s electoral politics, transforming the state into a Blue and progressive state for the first time. Proposition 187 created new and enduring political faultlines across California and across the nation as well as molded the political careers of a new generation of leaders. Narrated by Danny Trejo.

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Gloria Molina | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
In her public career, Gloria Molina achieved a lot of “firsts.”
Jorge Nicolás Leal | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
In music, Jorge Leal found solidarity and safety amid the furor of 187.
Chon Noriega | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
No successful movement occurred without arts sharpening its message, says Chon Noriega.
Celia Lacayo | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
28:00
Celia Lacayo compares 187's "Save Our State" campaign with Trump's "Make America Great" again slogan.
Manuel Pastor | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
California has made strides against racism, but it still has a ways to go, says Pastor.
Raphael J. Sonenshein | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
Raphe Sonenshein explains California's political trajectories, its political parties and communities.
Raquel Cetz | Samanta Helou Hernandez for "187"
From being an undocumented student and a Dreamer, Raquel Cetz has become an activist.
Miya Iwataki | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
Miya Iwataki says Prop 187 galvanized the Asian Pacific Islander community and brought groups together.
Maria Elena Durazo | Samanta Helou Hernandez for "187"
Maria Elena Durazo has been at the forefront of major issues since her childhood in California fields.
Alex Padilla | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
Alex Padilla was a fresh MIT engineering graduate when his career trajectory changed because of Proposition 187.
Richard Montoya | Ricardo Palavecino for "187"
A part of performance group Culture Clash, Richard Montoya and his collaborators used their political humor to "ignite something that would get the U.S. Latino kids enraged about this (initiative), get them going."
Antonia Hernández | Samanta Helou Hernandez for "187"
Antonia Hernández was at Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund when Prop 187 came about.
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