Delano Grape Hero

The historic Delano Grape strike of 1965 lasted five years.  The efforts and struggles of the Mexican and Filipino farmers are well recorded.  The boycott and strike was led by Cesar Chavez.  During the strike he went on a hunger strike to support his cause. His bravery is well recorded in American history books.  But, did you know that Larry Itliong was the original labor leader to organize the farmers.  When the Mexicans went on strike, Filipinos were used as strikebreakers.  When the Filipinos went on strike, Mexicans were used as strikebreakers.  Itliong was one of the first to recognize this pattern.  (PBS Episode Huelga) The leadership and smarts of Larry Itliong is too often forgotten by history books.

From Slavery to the House of Representatives

Studying the trials of courageous Americans  is very important in the classroom.  George Washington was legendary hero.  George Patton on the battlefields of Europe is fantastic.  The soldiers of World War II storming the beaches of Normandy (La Point du Hoc Men) is unbelievable. Here is another brave soul who knew the consequences of his actions but continued.  Robert Smalls saved his family from the institution of slavery.  I found this unsung hero in a children's book called The Escape of Robert Smalls.