July 25, 2010
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The greatest hero against systemic and institutional problems is an individual empowered to succeed beyond their own dreams and ambitions. That individual is you. Your ancestors and supporters empower you to massively succeed.
I just came from an amazing four days of pure empowerment at the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) conference. To see the Filipino American community of Seattle, with Rizal Park, Rizal Bridge, memorial for Carlos Bulosan, Filipino Community Center, the National Pinoy Archives, and so many other prominent individuals to make it what it is showed me once again, what is possible through cooperation and collaboration.
I reconnected with a man who presented an original recording of and original letters from Larry Itliong. He read one that was quite revealing about the situation in the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union during his departure from it. These stories need to be disseminated.
My reconnections also led me back to see Jeanne Barroga, whose work Buffalo’ed looks to be an event not to be missed. If I can help in bringing the show to Sacramento, the community would surely benefit from
I also reconnected with a filmmaker who is working on the documentary Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers about the leaders of the Delano Grape Strike. We have a goal of $120,000 to make that vision a reality.
New connections included members of the Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino (KDP), whose passion and dedication to the larger Filipino community many people benefit from today, including myself. Another new connection was officially meeting Mona Pasquil, who gave a keynote speech that challenged me to make a difference and, as she put it, “change a family’s story.” She reminded me why we celebrate wholly and fully, in this instance celebrating the nomination of the Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye for Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
Meeting and reconnecting with so many wonderful individuals is at the heart of empowerment.They provide me examples of individuals to emulate, excellent work that can be expanded, and treasures to be found in the unlikeliest of places. We just have to keep our hearts and minds open to the possibility. I needed to be reminded of that.
