Larry Itliong

Overview

Through many turbulent organizational changes, AWOC continued to carry out strike campaigns, thanks to the continuity and organizing strengths of the Filipino American Labor Association (FALA). Under the leadership of Filipino farm worker Larry Itliong AWOC initiated the Delano Grape Strike in 1965. The National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), a primarily Mexican American organization led by Cesar Chavez, went out on strike with AWOC, joining with Itliong to form a multi-racial campaign that had the strength and the will to fight against the entrenched political power of the growers.

Below is an image of Larry Itliong and a recording of him speaking at the AWOC Strathmore Conference in 1961.

Questions

  • Did you know Filipino farm workers started the Delano Grape Strike and had a central role in the formation of the UFW? If not, why do you think this story is not more widely known?

Black and white photograph of a man, Larry Itliong, smiling in three-quarters view as he rests his hands in front of him.

 

Larry Itliong at the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) Strathmore Conference, 1961 (21:20)

Larry Itliong Smiles As He Rests His Hands on Table Links to an external site., Henry Pope Anderson Papers, larc.ms.0422,  Labor Archives and Research Center, San Francisco State University.

Larry Itliong at the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) Strathmore Conference, 1961 Links to an external site., Henry Pope Anderson Papers, larc.ms.0422,  Labor Archives and Research Center, San Francisco State University.