Larry Itliong ♂️

Larry Itliong was a prominent figure in the Asian American community, particularly in the field of agriculture. Born in the Philippines in 1913, Itliong immigrated to the United States in 1929 and eventually settled in California. He became heavily involved in labor rights activism and played a significant role in organizing Filipino and Mexican farmworkers during the Delano Grape Strike in 1965. Itliong was a co-founder of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), which later merged with the National Farmworkers Association to form the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. His efforts contributed to improved working conditions and better wages for farmworkers throughout California, making him a key figure in the fight for labor rights. Itliong's work in agriculture spanned several decades, starting from his early experiences as a farm laborer in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. He possessed a deep understanding of the struggles faced by Filipino and Mexican workers, and he fought against discriminatory treatment and low wages. Itliong's organizing efforts brought attention to the challenges faced by farmworkers, leading to successful strikes and negotiations that paved the way for fairer labor practices. His contributions in organizing labor unions and advocating for the rights of agricultural workers have left a lasting impact on the history of Asian Americans in the United States.