April 1, 2004

  • Happy Cesar Chavez day!  Not to take anything away from the man credited with leading the United Farm Workers Union (UFW), but I wish more people knew about Filipino labor leaders Larry Itliong, the first vice-president of te UFW and Philip Veracruz, co-founder of the UFW, who led the UFW right alongside of Cesar Chavez.  Together, they molded the UFW into what it is today.  Filipino and Mexican farm laborers made the UFW together.  Today, Filipinos are not included in that talk.  It's a tragic reality.


    I personally dedicate this day to them as well, as they are as big of heroes as Mr. Chavez.  Some day, if I have any say about it, they will be properly recognized as they should be.  Let's all put our hands together in their honor.