Emma Tenayuca was a Mexican American civil rights activist during the 20th century in San Antonio. Amid her childhood, Emma ended up involved in the true struggles of Mexican Americans when the Great Depression hit her family. Already building her legacy before graduating high school, one of Emma Tenayuca's most well-known incidents was the Pecan Sheller Strike. The issue was sparked by the managers who made their laborers physically open pecan shells in a grimy and cramped workshop since it was less expensive than using machines. During this strike, Emma protested along many women who were battling for improved working conditions and higher pay. While this strike just happened in one industry, the horde of resisting workers was far greater