Huizar, Genevieve

Metadata

Abstract

An oral history with Genevieve Huizar collected for an oral history project for Dr. Fousekis’ History 492A oral history course and part of the Women, Politics, and Activism Since Suffrage Project. The purpose of this interview is to understand how mother’s joined grassroots movements. Specifically, this interview looks at how the identity of motherhood served as a catalyst for activism. This interview covers Mrs. Huizar’s childhood and growing up Latina in Riverside and Orange County; talks about when her son, Manuel Diaz, was shot by police in Anaheim, California; shares about her experiences with governmental entities in Anaheim including: the city council and police department; talks about founding of the Young Survivors Legacy Support group; reflects on how her family has coped with the loss of their brother/uncle; comments on how she became an activist and describes rallies and protests she participated in including statewide rally on October 22, 2012; explains how awareness of her son’s death has impacted use of force by police in local communities; speaks about changes she’d like to see in the police force; describes the influence activism has had on her personal life; why she doesn’t consider herself a feminist; and finally, shares how others should work to end police brutality.