John James Herrera was born on December 4, 1910 in Louisiana, to Juan Jose Herrera and Antonia Jimenez. His father's side of the family traced their roots back to the natives of the Canary Islands. Growing up, Herrera was instilled with a strong sense of justice and a passion for civil rights.
Herrera pursued a career in law and became an attorney, using his legal expertise to fight for the rights of Mexican-Americans. He was actively involved in various civil rights movements, including working on the Minerva Delgado Texas school discrimination case. Additionally, he was instrumental in the fight against employment discrimination faced by Mexican-Americans in Houston shipyards.
Throughout his life, Herrera's family played a significant role. He married Olivia Cisneros and together they had six children. Despite the challenges they faced, Herrera and Cisneros remained committed to each other and their family. After their divorce, Herrera married Carmen Luisa Garcia, with whom he had another son.
John James Herrera was not only a gifted attorney but also a passionate civil rights leader and activist. He dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice for all. One of his most notable contributions was introducing President John F. Kennedy at a League of United Latin American Citizens assembly, just a day before Kennedy's tragic assassination. Herrera's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the impact he had on the fight for civil rights.
John James Herrera will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights, a dedicated family man, and a tireless advocate for justice.