For Filipino American (Fil-Am) History Month and Larry Itliong Day, AAPI Equity Alliance celebrates the Fil-Am community for being an instrumental part in shaping Asian American advocacy!
We all deserve to feel safe and heard at the workplace. Sadly, that wasn’t the case for Filipino farm workers where basic necessities like clean water and toilets were rare.
Among them was “Larry” Dulay Itliong, an iconic Fil-Am labor leader, who refused to accept the racial discrimination and injustices he and his “manongs” (elder brothers) faced over the decades.
He led successful strikes to protest low wages and demand better working conditions after years of building community power through the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC). But, Larry knew their movement would be stronger in solidarity with their fellow Mexican farmers.
He asked Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, leaders of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), to join them and it led to one of the most pivotal labor movements in history. The Delano grape strike won better pay and benefits for farmers and led to the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW), a national labor union that still exists today.
Unfortunately, the basic necessities Larry fought for is still not guaranteed today. And like him, we have a choice to do something about it. Tomorrow, October 26th, is the first day of in-person voting in Los Angeles County.
Show up and know what’s up! Take the AAPI Equity Alliance 2024 Voter Guide with you, available in English and 14 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) languages, and share it widely.
With much at stake this election, we urge you to use your voice to vote for your family, your neighbors, and your community. Because when we speak up together, we can make a difference.
