The Forgotten History of Filipino Solidarity: Larry Itliong & the UFW
The Forgotten History of Filipino Solidarity
From the Delano Grape Strike to modern movements: Remembering the power of Kababayan and collective action.
As a U.S.-born, mixed-ethnicity Fil-Am, I find it puzzling and even appalling that many of my fellow Pinoys/Pinays conveniently forgot their history. We have always known that helping others less fortunate is ingrained in our DNA, yet many of us have assimilated into a way of life that prioritizes "getting ahead" over the plight of our own community.
Decades ago, we stood with our Latino/a/x brothers and sisters in the United Farm Workers Movement. Our leaders were labeled as "communists" and "rioters"—the same labels used today to discredit modern justice movements. We forget that our Black brothers and sisters stood with us at the International Hotel in San Francisco to fight gentrification and police displacement.
Historical data shows that at the height of the Delano Grape Strike in 1965, over 2,000 Filipino farmworkers walked off the fields, initiating a movement that would change labor laws forever. This was not just a labor struggle; it was a demonstration of Bayanihan on a global scale.
The United Farm Workers (UFW) originated from the merger of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), led by Larry Itliong, and the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta.
Truth and Legacy Matters
To side with the current power structure is to accept the continued oppression of those at a disadvantage. We must teach our children that our legacy is found in honesty, integrity, and equality. The struggle of people of color is, and has always been, our struggle too.
Ike, great post. Time for another post? This was almost 6 yrs ago.
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