Final answer:
The most accurate central idea is that Latino/a Americans have actively participated in civil rights movements in the United States, securing important victories in political representation, education, and legal recognition of their rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best expresses a central idea in the excerpt is: A. Latino/a Americans have been active in the establishment of civil rights in the United States. The Chicano Movement, akin to the Black Power movement, was pivotal in pushing for increased political power, education that acknowledged cultural heritage, and land restoration for Mexican Americans. Initiatives like the Crusade for Justice and figures such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta played critical roles in advocating for the rights of Latino/a Americans. Additionally, through legal victories in cases like Mendez v. Westminster and Hernandez v. Texas, Latino/a Americans fought against discriminatory practices. As a result, they were able to secure victories in education, voting rights, and the acknowledgment of Spanish language, demonstrating their active engagement in civil rights pursuits within the U.S.