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| Joining the Fontana Hispanic Chamber is a Smart Business Investment |
| Dolores Huerta co-founder, with César Chávez, of the United Farm Workers Union |
Cesar Chavez Day and the Forgotten Asian Americans
Published on Wednesday, 1st April, 2009
This past Cesar Chavez Day (March 31, 2009) reminds us how forgotten stories can perpetuate stereotypes. Charlotte, an Asian
American student leader at Pomona College, asked me how do we ignite people into political action and sweep away the tired public
perception of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) as passive and docile. I asked her if she knew the story of Pilipino or
Japanese American farm workers in the fields and she admitted she knew very little. Considering the last of the Pilipino farm workers
from an earlier period died in 1997 and very little has been written in any depth, most of the students across all races shared this
common amnesia.
The story of Latino labor leader Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) has been widely circulated to the point of
Cesar’s birthday being designated as a California state holiday and President Obama declaring public support of it becoming a
national one. It is a story that has both inspired and been used to awaken the sleeping giant of Latina/o political activism. The UFW
battle cry of “Si Se Puede” has been adopted by the current burgeoning immigrant rights movement and its English translation, “Yes We
Can,” by Obama in his recent successful presidential run.
However, the story of AAPI farm workers has been lost as well as the true face of AAPIs.
Many do not know that the 1965 Delano Strike, which gave birth to the UFW, was started by Pilipinos, not Cesar Chavez and the Mexican
farm workers.
As the summer heat of 1965 ripened the grapes of the Delano fields, Pilipino farm workers walked off the job and struck for dignity and
better working conditions. Earlier, Cesar Chavez of the mostly Mexican National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) had refused the
request of Larry Itliong of the predominantly Pilipino Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) to join the strike. A week after the
strike began, Larry approached Cesar again and this time Cesar relented, with pushing from Dolores Huerta and his wife Helen Chavez,
and the Mexican workers overwhelmingly voted to join the Pilipino farm workers. Both unions merged to form the UFW. Cesar became
the head of the union with Larry as second in command. Dolores Huerta became First Vice President and the Pilipino farm worker
leaders filled the rest of the top six leadership positions with Philip Vera Cruz as Second Vice President, Andy Imutan as Third Vice
President and Pete Velasco as Secretary Treasurer.
Published on Wednesday, 1st April, 2009
This past Cesar Chavez Day (March 31, 2009) reminds us how forgotten stories can perpetuate stereotypes. Charlotte, an Asian
American student leader at Pomona College, asked me how do we ignite people into political action and sweep away the tired public
perception of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) as passive and docile. I asked her if she knew the story of Pilipino or
Japanese American farm workers in the fields and she admitted she knew very little. Considering the last of the Pilipino farm workers
from an earlier period died in 1997 and very little has been written in any depth, most of the students across all races shared this
common amnesia.
The story of Latino labor leader Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) has been widely circulated to the point of
Cesar’s birthday being designated as a California state holiday and President Obama declaring public support of it becoming a
national one. It is a story that has both inspired and been used to awaken the sleeping giant of Latina/o political activism. The UFW
battle cry of “Si Se Puede” has been adopted by the current burgeoning immigrant rights movement and its English translation, “Yes We
Can,” by Obama in his recent successful presidential run.
However, the story of AAPI farm workers has been lost as well as the true face of AAPIs.
Many do not know that the 1965 Delano Strike, which gave birth to the UFW, was started by Pilipinos, not Cesar Chavez and the Mexican
farm workers.
As the summer heat of 1965 ripened the grapes of the Delano fields, Pilipino farm workers walked off the job and struck for dignity and
better working conditions. Earlier, Cesar Chavez of the mostly Mexican National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) had refused the
request of Larry Itliong of the predominantly Pilipino Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) to join the strike. A week after the
strike began, Larry approached Cesar again and this time Cesar relented, with pushing from Dolores Huerta and his wife Helen Chavez,
and the Mexican workers overwhelmingly voted to join the Pilipino farm workers. Both unions merged to form the UFW. Cesar became
the head of the union with Larry as second in command. Dolores Huerta became First Vice President and the Pilipino farm worker
leaders filled the rest of the top six leadership positions with Philip Vera Cruz as Second Vice President, Andy Imutan as Third Vice
President and Pete Velasco as Secretary Treasurer.
Who is the Dolores Huerta Institute
"We're taught about the Carnegies and the Fords, and all those millionaires, but not what
working people do,” said Dolores Huerta who unionized farmworkers with Cesar
Chavez in the 1960s.
Why DHLI? Because It’s Your Job, Your Life
Most adults spend at least half their waking hours engaged in some form of work
activity. During the last century, deindustrialization, deregulation, casualization, and
information technology radically altered the ways in which work is done. These
changes affect many aspects of the human condition. As a result, uneven opportunities
emerged for different segments of the United States workforce. The numbers of men
and women who work full-time year round and continue to remain below the poverty
threshold increased significantly. These changes even negatively impact the quality of
life of professionals and technical employees. Consequently, social justice and self-
determination is intimately connected to the workplace. In order to be prepared to face
the challenges of the workplace, community college students need the educational
resources necessary to tackle the changing world of work. DHLI helps students face
these challenges.
What We Do
Working people, unions and the labor movement play an important role in improving the
lives of working individuals and families in Los Angeles County. DHLI is the first institute
of its kind created to educate community college students about labor issues and
history. We develop learning opportunities that allow many of the 130,000 students
attending the nine campuses of the LACCD to learn about the political, social and cultural
impact of work, the public and private policies that govern employment, the practice of
democracy in the workplace and society and the significance of the labor movement.
DHLI develops educational tools that inform and better prepare students for the
workforce and social justice efforts. We do this by offering teaching resources for
faculty, classes, special lectures, film series, workshops and seminars, and internships
for students. With these educational resources, students will leave the LACCD colleges
well-informed and better prepared for the workforce.
Our innovative program draws on the expertise of the directors of both of L.A.’s Labor
Centers—John McDowell of Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Kent Wong of
UCLA as well as Carl Friedlander, President of the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild,
AFT Local 1521. Additionally, several of the leading scholars in the field sit on our Labor
Scholars Advisory Board and ensure the academic integrity and real world relevance of
our resources.
The Birth of DHLI
DHLI emerged amidst dramatic changes in the jobs and industries in the Los Angeles
region. The Los Angeles Community College District and Los Angeles unions formed an
educational partnership and established an institute to prepare students for this new
economy. DHLI educates and engages students in their future as workers and
professionals through classes, a speaker and film series, internships and on-line
resources.
"We're taught about the Carnegies and the Fords, and all those millionaires, but not what
working people do,” said Dolores Huerta who unionized farmworkers with Cesar
Chavez in the 1960s.
Why DHLI? Because It’s Your Job, Your Life
Most adults spend at least half their waking hours engaged in some form of work
activity. During the last century, deindustrialization, deregulation, casualization, and
information technology radically altered the ways in which work is done. These
changes affect many aspects of the human condition. As a result, uneven opportunities
emerged for different segments of the United States workforce. The numbers of men
and women who work full-time year round and continue to remain below the poverty
threshold increased significantly. These changes even negatively impact the quality of
life of professionals and technical employees. Consequently, social justice and self-
determination is intimately connected to the workplace. In order to be prepared to face
the challenges of the workplace, community college students need the educational
resources necessary to tackle the changing world of work. DHLI helps students face
these challenges.
What We Do
Working people, unions and the labor movement play an important role in improving the
lives of working individuals and families in Los Angeles County. DHLI is the first institute
of its kind created to educate community college students about labor issues and
history. We develop learning opportunities that allow many of the 130,000 students
attending the nine campuses of the LACCD to learn about the political, social and cultural
impact of work, the public and private policies that govern employment, the practice of
democracy in the workplace and society and the significance of the labor movement.
DHLI develops educational tools that inform and better prepare students for the
workforce and social justice efforts. We do this by offering teaching resources for
faculty, classes, special lectures, film series, workshops and seminars, and internships
for students. With these educational resources, students will leave the LACCD colleges
well-informed and better prepared for the workforce.
Our innovative program draws on the expertise of the directors of both of L.A.’s Labor
Centers—John McDowell of Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Kent Wong of
UCLA as well as Carl Friedlander, President of the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild,
AFT Local 1521. Additionally, several of the leading scholars in the field sit on our Labor
Scholars Advisory Board and ensure the academic integrity and real world relevance of
our resources.
The Birth of DHLI
DHLI emerged amidst dramatic changes in the jobs and industries in the Los Angeles
region. The Los Angeles Community College District and Los Angeles unions formed an
educational partnership and established an institute to prepare students for this new
economy. DHLI educates and engages students in their future as workers and
professionals through classes, a speaker and film series, internships and on-line
resources.
| "Where are the streets, buildings, schools, parks or libraries named after Cesar Chavez within your city?" "If not us....... then who.... if not now... then when" |
| $$$ WANTED Part-time Bilingual (Spanish & English) Professional Sales Executives Wanted Earn 30% Commissions 15K to 30K A Year with the Fontana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Call Today (909) 331-0091 or email Armando Yepes at ajyepes@aol.com |
| Dolores Huerta Labor Institute Los Angeles Community College District c/o LA Trade Tech College - LRC 220 400 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015-4108 Office: 213-763-7070 Web: www.dhli.org facebook.dhli.org www.myspace.com/dhuertalaborinstitute |
The LACCD Board of Trustees presented certificates to several labor organizations
during the meeting that launched the district's Dolores Huerta Labor Institute. Pictured
clockwise from top left are Student Trustee Luis Gomez; Trustees Michael D.
Waxman, Kelly G. Candaele, Nancy Pearlman, and Warren T. Furutani; Chancellor
Rocky Young, Michael Contreras, Board President Sylvia Scott-Hayes, Dolores Huerta
and, Trustees Georgia L. Mercer and Mona Field.
First institute in Los Angeles County
to educate community college students on labor issues and history
(Los Angeles, CA) –Educators, labor and community leaders gathered today to
announce the launching of the Dolores Huerta Labor Institute. The first of its kind to
educate community college students on labor issues and history, the new center in its
startup phase will be housed at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Ms. Huerta
was honored and spoke at the ceremony.
“For the first time ever, the Los Angeles labor movement will have a new way to
spread the good word about unions to community college students throughout Los
Angeles County,” said Dolores Huerta. “This is great news considering the important
role that labor unions play each day in improving the lives of working families in Los
Angeles County.”
The Dolores Huerta Labor Institute will assist faculty in delivering labor education to
many of the 130,000 students each year at the nine campuses of the Los Angeles
Community College District (LACCD). In addition to classes, the institute will also offer
special lectures, film series and workshops.
“This institute’s focus will be to bring together the faculty from across the nine
campuses to formulate and develop new curriculum,” says Los Angeles Community
College Board of Trustees President Sylvia Scott-Hayes. “Because we will be able to
share research and information, students will leave our colleges well-informed and
better prepared for the workforce.”
This innovative program draws on the expertise of the directors of both L.A.’s Labor
Centers: John McDowell of Los Angeles Trade-Tech College and Kent Wong of UCLA
as well as Carl Friedlander, President of the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, AFT
Local 1521. Miguel Contreras, late Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles
County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, helped conceive the plan for the Center.
The Dolores Huerta Institute is appropriately named after United Farm Workers Co-
Founder Dolores Huerta. Huerta revolutionized the labor movement in the 1960’s using
tactics of non-violence and ultimately dedicating her life to the struggle for justice,
dignity and a decent standard of living for one of our countries most exploited groups,
farm workers. Today she serves as President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. It is
not unusual to find her traveling regularly to cities across North America educating the
public on public policy issues affecting immigrants, labor, women, and youth. She
speaks at colleges and organizations throughout the country in support of “La Causa”.
The Dolores Huerta Institute will be funded by contributions made by Los Angeles
County labor unions and the LACCD. Ten local unions including the Southern California
Council of Communications Works of America, AFT Local 152, IBEW Locals 11 and 18,
Longshoremen Local 63, Plumbers and Pipefittters District Council 616 and Local 250,
SEIU Locals 347, 660, UHW and UFCW Locals 770 and 1442, have all agreed to
contribute $10,000 a year for the next three years totaling 300,000 dollars. LACCD will
match labor’s contributions dollar for dollar which will lead to a three-year start-up
with a $600,000 total budget over that period.
“The Dolores Huerta Institute will produce a new dynamic generation of union activists
and leaders that will fight for the working families of tomorrow,” said Executive
Secretary Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Maria
Elena Durazo.
during the meeting that launched the district's Dolores Huerta Labor Institute. Pictured
clockwise from top left are Student Trustee Luis Gomez; Trustees Michael D.
Waxman, Kelly G. Candaele, Nancy Pearlman, and Warren T. Furutani; Chancellor
Rocky Young, Michael Contreras, Board President Sylvia Scott-Hayes, Dolores Huerta
and, Trustees Georgia L. Mercer and Mona Field.
First institute in Los Angeles County
to educate community college students on labor issues and history
(Los Angeles, CA) –Educators, labor and community leaders gathered today to
announce the launching of the Dolores Huerta Labor Institute. The first of its kind to
educate community college students on labor issues and history, the new center in its
startup phase will be housed at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Ms. Huerta
was honored and spoke at the ceremony.
“For the first time ever, the Los Angeles labor movement will have a new way to
spread the good word about unions to community college students throughout Los
Angeles County,” said Dolores Huerta. “This is great news considering the important
role that labor unions play each day in improving the lives of working families in Los
Angeles County.”
The Dolores Huerta Labor Institute will assist faculty in delivering labor education to
many of the 130,000 students each year at the nine campuses of the Los Angeles
Community College District (LACCD). In addition to classes, the institute will also offer
special lectures, film series and workshops.
“This institute’s focus will be to bring together the faculty from across the nine
campuses to formulate and develop new curriculum,” says Los Angeles Community
College Board of Trustees President Sylvia Scott-Hayes. “Because we will be able to
share research and information, students will leave our colleges well-informed and
better prepared for the workforce.”
This innovative program draws on the expertise of the directors of both L.A.’s Labor
Centers: John McDowell of Los Angeles Trade-Tech College and Kent Wong of UCLA
as well as Carl Friedlander, President of the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, AFT
Local 1521. Miguel Contreras, late Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles
County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, helped conceive the plan for the Center.
The Dolores Huerta Institute is appropriately named after United Farm Workers Co-
Founder Dolores Huerta. Huerta revolutionized the labor movement in the 1960’s using
tactics of non-violence and ultimately dedicating her life to the struggle for justice,
dignity and a decent standard of living for one of our countries most exploited groups,
farm workers. Today she serves as President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. It is
not unusual to find her traveling regularly to cities across North America educating the
public on public policy issues affecting immigrants, labor, women, and youth. She
speaks at colleges and organizations throughout the country in support of “La Causa”.
The Dolores Huerta Institute will be funded by contributions made by Los Angeles
County labor unions and the LACCD. Ten local unions including the Southern California
Council of Communications Works of America, AFT Local 152, IBEW Locals 11 and 18,
Longshoremen Local 63, Plumbers and Pipefittters District Council 616 and Local 250,
SEIU Locals 347, 660, UHW and UFCW Locals 770 and 1442, have all agreed to
contribute $10,000 a year for the next three years totaling 300,000 dollars. LACCD will
match labor’s contributions dollar for dollar which will lead to a three-year start-up
with a $600,000 total budget over that period.
“The Dolores Huerta Institute will produce a new dynamic generation of union activists
and leaders that will fight for the working families of tomorrow,” said Executive
Secretary Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Maria
Elena Durazo.
Additionally, the strike led to large support from the Pilipino American community with an alliance forming between Pilipino farm workers
and Pilipino professionals as the Filipino American Political Alliance (FAPA), the first national political Pilipino organization with Larry
Itliong eventually becoming its president. By 1970, over 30 cities had active chapters. By the time of this strike, many of these Pilipino
farm workers had over thirty years experience fighting and striking in the field since they arrived in the late 1920s and 1930s. Most struck
within the first year on the job in the US. Even earlier, Japanese workers actively battled in the fields. Growers thought AAPI workers were
too militant and confrontational and began vigorously seeking out Mexican workers, who they saw as passive, subservient and docile.
Over forty years later, the narrative has flipped. Many perceive Latino/as as central to the revival of the US labor movement and swinging
many important political elections in different places like California. Whereas, a number of people label AAPIs as culturally obsequious
and compliant.
Like the growers in the past who saw Mexican farm workers as submissive, many people today assume
AAPIs come from a place which emphasizes obedience and passivity more than other cultures (Passivity is present in all communities).
Community leader Myung Soo Seok once told me that defining Asian values as “not making waves” is an inaccurate “American”
interpretation.
When we reflect on this past Cesar Chavez Day, we must restore the forgotten heritage of all people forged through struggle and
remember the stories of AAPIs as a vibrant political force again.
(This version written by John Delloro, Executive Director of DHLI, and originally posted on
www.laprogressive.com)
and Pilipino professionals as the Filipino American Political Alliance (FAPA), the first national political Pilipino organization with Larry
Itliong eventually becoming its president. By 1970, over 30 cities had active chapters. By the time of this strike, many of these Pilipino
farm workers had over thirty years experience fighting and striking in the field since they arrived in the late 1920s and 1930s. Most struck
within the first year on the job in the US. Even earlier, Japanese workers actively battled in the fields. Growers thought AAPI workers were
too militant and confrontational and began vigorously seeking out Mexican workers, who they saw as passive, subservient and docile.
Over forty years later, the narrative has flipped. Many perceive Latino/as as central to the revival of the US labor movement and swinging
many important political elections in different places like California. Whereas, a number of people label AAPIs as culturally obsequious
and compliant.
Like the growers in the past who saw Mexican farm workers as submissive, many people today assume
AAPIs come from a place which emphasizes obedience and passivity more than other cultures (Passivity is present in all communities).
Community leader Myung Soo Seok once told me that defining Asian values as “not making waves” is an inaccurate “American”
interpretation.
When we reflect on this past Cesar Chavez Day, we must restore the forgotten heritage of all people forged through struggle and
remember the stories of AAPIs as a vibrant political force again.
(This version written by John Delloro, Executive Director of DHLI, and originally posted on
www.laprogressive.com)
