This Time photo features Esther, Irene, Alex and Maria Theresa Bernal of Fullerton, Calif.
Mary Burton, a veteran public recorder whom I’m mentoring on social media tools, invited me to learn a few things at the Fullerton Public Library this evening.
It was a history of a man and his family in Fullerton, Calif. who stood up for what they believed in back in 1943. It’s a part of Orange County that hardly anyone knows about. But it’s about time everyone knew Mary’s relative, Alex Bernal.
Mary Burton with niece Colette Alcott -- part of the civil rights legacy.
People are calling the late Alex Bernal a hero for protecing his family from discrimination.
More than 300 people packed the library filled with relatives, civic leaders, history buffs, students, news reporters and photographers for a panel discussion on the man who moderator Gustavo Arellano, managing editor of the O.C. Weekly, described in a recent news article as “someone who stood up to white neighbors during the 1940s when they unsuccessfully sued him and his wife solely for being Mexicans who bought a house in their tract.”
Alex Bernal died in 1999 without his due recognition. His simple act of protecting his family and his home helped end housing discrimination in America.
The eye-opening panel featured his three children — Irene, Maria Theresa and Joe — along with Luis Fernandez, a recently graduated Cal State Fullerton graduate student, who just rediscovered a copy of the March of Time radio program. We listened to the recording that had been lost for decades.
As I was capturing the event by live-streaming video from my iPhone, I couldn’t help but notice the tears of joy on the faces of so many in the audience.
Watch live video from TedNguyenUSA on Justin.tv
I learned a tremendous amount from Mary Burton and her amazing family. But the most important lesson is something I’ve always known — that one person can make a difference.
And in this case, Alex Bernal’s actions decades ago is making America a more perfect union.
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Wow Ted; what an amazing story. We forget the power of one voice and think that we can’t make a difference because who are we to take a stand anyway?
A wonderful message that anyone, indeed, you, can stand up for what you believe in and that those values are priceless and worth fighting for!
Great story!
Danielle,
Thanks for the nice comment. Experiencing the panel of his children really instilled upon me the faith that we all should stand up for what’s right!
Cheers,
Ted
Hey Ted,
I am inspired by this man’s commitment to his family, and something he felt was right. Even against all odds, it didn’t stir his values and what he cared about. These are the moments that robots can not duplicate, material things can not deter, and an army can not defeat.
Paul,
This story reminds me of the little things we’re trying to do with ConnectOC. Obviously, our work pales in comparison with Alex Bernal’s fight to protect his family, but the little actions we’re undertaking is hopefully making a difference in connecting Southern Californians with each other, especially in this horrible economy. And you, my friend, are the inspiration of making that happen!
Thanks for sharing the story Ted! I had no idea of Alex Bernal and his courage. These are my favorite kind of stories and we need to hear more of them. Hopefully when it’s our time to make a stand, we can draw from these same principles and look to models like Alex for inspiration.
J,
I too hope when the time comes that we are prepared to take a stand. I know you’re one of those valiant individuals that will lead the charge.
I appreciate your comments and support of these stories. And please let me know if there is story you would like covered in this website.
Regards,
Ted
Amazing story Ted…and it reminds me both of how many untold stories there probably are out there as well as the fact that it’s always tragic that heroes like these are not appreciated until after they are gone…Let’s try to celebrate and be thankful for the heroes that are around us every day!
Neal,
I can’t begin to tell you how much you’ve been a tremendous help to me both personally and professionally. You are amazing in your sphere of influence. And for that, I’m thankful to call you my friend!
Regards,
Ted
This is incredible Ted. I had never heard of Alex Bernal and I think it’s terrific you spent your Friday night, covering this for us. I got to relive the magic through your live streaming, and be exposed to a rich story of courage in a very difficult and thorny situation.
Oh wow Ted! That IS a great story. I bet all of us can find a cause worth fighting for. I love the way you OC folks are making a difference in Southern Cal, and there are so many great people working hard all over the place without any applause, for sure. We can each make a difference. Thanks for the reminder cause I’ll admit, when I look at the sex trafficking trade right in our own country i sometimes find it overwhelming. My gloves are off though!
Ted – I am so glad that we are in the OCTA Mentoring Program together. I have learned so much from you this past year and I am very grateful. You have not only taught me the “technical” side of social networking but taught me that patience and compassion go a long way. Thank you for attending the Alex Bernal event at the Fullerton Library – it meant so much to my neice Natalie and her husband Alex Bernal, Jr. As a child, I overheard someone say – “I’d rather live on my feet than die on my knees”. In reaching out and putting this information on your blog, you have inspired all of us to STAND UP FOR OUR BELIEFS AND DO THE RIGHT THING! Warm regards – your friend, Mary
hello my name is also Alex Bernal jr….i happen to look up my own name and found this amazing story, and I am also mexican as is Alex.My parents both migrated to california in the 1950s and managed to be successful, and I just realized that if it wasnt for Alex, my parents life and mine wouldnt be as great as it is. It gives me much pride and honor to see another mexican overcome such difficulties in such a segregated era, and to find i share the same name is astonishing. I hope that someday I can do something as extraordinary as he. Gracias to Alex and his family.
Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.