Vicente Guerrero’s forces were vastly outnumbered by the Spanish army, but his military brilliance helped him win 491 battles between 1810 and 1821. However, Guerrero knew that he could have just as much of an impact off the battlefield, so he entered Mexican politics.
Soon after he became president of Mexico in 1829, Guerrero abolished slavery. North America’s first Black president didn’t stop there, as he implemented protections for small businesses, taxed the rich, and advocated for representative government. Guerrero was making much-needed changes, but he was also making enemies.
Pro-slavery Mexicans who were enraged about Guerrero’s social equality changes, overthrew, tried, and executed him in 1831. However, his impact continued after his death.
“My motherland comes first” is now the motto of the Mexican state that is named after Guerrero.
Guerrero battled colonialism all his life. He stood his ground to bring freedom and equality to Mexico. How can we inspire change in our local governments today?