South Colton Oral History Project Collection
Document Type
Video
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Publication Date
11-18-2013
Summary
Tom Rivera interviews Ruben Aguilera and Ralph Medina, both men who have lived most of their lives in the South Colton area. Medina explains his family history in Colton and his roots in Mexico. Aguilera explained how he and his family arrived in Colton from Whittier when he was five, but had stayed most of his life in the former. However, Aguilera also explained his time in South Colton and being labeled as an “Uncle Tom” due to where he went to school. There is a focus on education, particularly on what schools Aguilera went to and racism. The dividing line that was the railroad track is another topic of discussion. The topic of Colton High School’s principal not allowing Mexican students in sports highlighted racism in South Colton at the time. Picking fruit, marriage, and other sports were also topics in this short discussion. The interview ends with Aguilera Medina, and Rivera discussing the Catholic Church and Father Valdencia’s handball sessions.
Recommended Citation
CSUSB, "Ruben Aguilera and Ralph Medina" (2013). South Colton Oral History Project Collection. 42.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/colton-history/42
