The Historical Context of Filipino Labor

From 1898 to 1946, many Filipinos were authorized to immigrate to the United States. Between the 1920s and the 1960s, tens of thousands joined the American agricultural workforce, primarily in the West. These workers, often referred to as manong—an affectionate term for older brother—faced systemic discrimination, including low wages, poor housing, and limited social opportunities due to anti-miscegenation laws.

The 1965 Delano Grape Strike

By the 1960s, Filipino workers formed the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to advocate for dignity and fair pay. On September 8, 1965, leaders Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz led a vote to strike against grape growers in Delano, California, demanding federal minimum wage. Itliong reached out to Cesar Chavez, who was initially hesitant to join due to the power of the agribusiness interests involved.

Despite these reservations, the two groups joined forces a week later to form the United Farm Workers. The resulting five-year strike significantly impacted the industry and led to collective bargaining agreements for thousands of laborers.

Reframing the Narrative

The historical narrative has long centered on Chavez, often overshadowing the contributions of Filipino organizers. Recent allegations against Chavez have led some, including advocates and historians, to call for a more comprehensive and accurate telling of history. Johnny Itliong, the son of Larry Itliong, has argued that Chavez attempted to erase the history of the strike's origins.

Centering Women and Unsung Heroes

Community leaders and educators are now pushing to highlight the roles of women and other marginalized figures within the movement. Dillon Delvo of Little Manila Rising emphasizes the need to address the trauma of sexual abuse and the contributions of women, who were often responsible for sustaining the community and the union's daily operations.

  • Historical Accuracy: Advocates suggest renaming Cesar Chavez Day or shifting the focus to September 8 to honor the Filipino workers who initiated the strike.
  • Cultural Representation: Productions like Larry the Musical: An American Journey are actively working to center women and the broader community in the retelling of this labor history.
  • Educational Shift: Experts like Vernadette Gonzalez from UC Berkeley suggest that educators should use this moment to credit the many individuals, particularly women, who were previously left out of the official record.