Felix Longoria and the Civil Rights Movement

Felix Longoria, a Mexican-American soldier, died in WWII. His widow faced discrimination from a funeral parlor due to their heritage. This incident gained national attention, leading to intervention by Senator Lyndon Johnson, and Longoria was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Dr. Hector Garcia used this momentum to advance civil rights for Mexican Americans, founding the American GI Forum.

What was Felix Longoria's contribution during World War II?

• He was a spy for the United States.

• He was a Mexican-American soldier who died in action.

• He was a pilot who saved many lives.

• He was a general in the army.

Why did the local funeral parlor refuse to serve Longoria's family?

• They had a policy against military funerals.

• They cited the family's Mexican heritage.

• They were overbooked.

• They were closed for renovations.

Who was the civil rights advocate that helped Longoria's family?

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Dr. Hector Garcia

• Rosa Parks

• Cesar Chavez

What role did Texas Senator Lyndon Johnson play in Longoria's story?

• He opposed the burial at Arlington.

• He intervened to ensure Longoria's burial at Arlington.

• He was unaware of the situation.

• He ignored the issue.

What organization did Dr. Garcia help grow following the Longoria incident?

• United Farm Workers

• American GI Forum

• NAACP

• League of United Latin American Citizens