Larry Itliong & Cesar Chavez

Larry Itliong, born in the Philippines in 1913, immigrated to the United States at the age of fifteen. He worked in various labor-intensive jobs across the country, gaining firsthand experience of the harsh conditions faced by migrant workers. Itliong became a prominent labor organizer, advocating for Filipino and other immigrant farmworkers. He played a crucial role in initiating the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, rallying Filipino farmworkers to strike for better wages and working conditions. His leadership and organizing skills were instrumental in the early stages of the strike.

Cesar Chavez, born in Arizona in 1927 to a Mexican-American family, experienced the challenges of migrant farm work from a young age. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Chavez’s leadership and commitment to nonviolent protest garnered national attention and support for the farmworkers’ cause. He utilized community organizing, strikes, and boycotts to advocate for labor rights and social justice.

The partnership between Itliong and Chavez was a powerful example of cross-cultural solidarity. When the Filipino workers initiated the Delano Grape Strike, Itliong sought the support of Chavez and his predominantly Mexican-American NFWA. Together, they united Filipino and Mexican workers, bridging cultural divides to create a cohesive and effective labor movement. Their collaboration led to significant victories, including improved wages and working conditions for thousands of farmworkers. Their legacy continues to inspire social justice movements and the fight for workers’ rights.