10/15/2026
As with many small California cities, Placentia has long been the site of cultural and social progression. After his return from fighting in World War II, long time Placentia resident, Joe Aguirre, helped to found the Veterans and Citizens of Placentia. This organization pushed for desegregation in Placentia schools and equal education for their children who had been denied access to white schools in Placentia.
This picture depicts Joe Aguirre and his fellow veterans, all of whom fought for their children's education and made history by helping end school segregation in Placentia.
If you would like to know more about Joe Aguirre or Placentia history, you can find more at the Placentia Library District's History Room, open during library open hours.
