Like so much in our history, the contributions of Asian Americans are often forgotten.
As was the case with the Chinese who built the transcontinental railroad, the leadership of the Filipino Americans who lead the Delano Grape Strike in California alongside Cesar Chavez 50 years ago rarely gets a mention in U.S. history books.
A commemoration of the 50th anniversary of that strike this weekend will celebrate these overshadowed Americans.
“The purpose (of the event) is educational,” Alex Edillor, president of the Delano Filipino American National Historical Society said to the Bakersfield Californian. “We want to raise awareness of Filipino farm workers, who are the forgotten heroes of the strike.”
It was Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and others such as Benjamin Gines and Pete Velasco who lead the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee on strike in 1965. Mexican American farm workers lead by Chavez joined the strike eight days later.
Farmers agreed to a contract with the workers after five years of strikes and boycotts. The Filipino Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee merged with Cesar Chavez’ group to form the United Farm Workers.
“When the unions merged, Chavez emerged as a leader … I think out of necessity. Mexican American workers far outnumbered Filipino workers,” said Edillor.
You can read about how the strike divided families and caused hardship as well as get a preview of this weekend’s celebration in the Bakersfield Californian.
