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.
No comments:
Post a Comment