Day 7. Larry Itliong A Labor Leader You Should Know.
When we talk about the history of farmworker rights in the United States, one name tends to dominate the story: César Chávez. But alongside him, and often before him, stood Larry Itliong (1913–1977) — a bold, visionary, Filipino American labor leader whose story deserves to be known, honored, and shared.
“You can’t eat without farmers.”
— Larry Itliong
The Forgotten Founder
Born in the Philippines, Larry Itliong immigrated to the US as a teenager and soon found himself working in the fields, canneries, and factories — where harsh conditions, discrimination, and exploitation were the norm. Itliong became a fierce organizer, leading strikes and advocating for immigrant laborers’ rights up and down the West Coast.
Key Moment:
In 1965, Itliong organized the Delano Grape Strike, rallying over 1,500 Filipino farmworkers (the “Manongs”) to walk off the fields demanding fair wages and humane working conditions. Knowing that unity was power, he approached César Chávez and Dolores Huerta, asking the Mexican American farmworkers to join the strike.
Together, their solidarity movement birthed the United Farm Workers (UFW) — an unprecedented cross-cultural labor alliance that would forever shape labor rights in America.
Solidarity Across Communities
Larry Itliong’s leadership wasn’t just about Filipino workers — it was about all workers. His vision was clear: dignity, justice, and fair pay for everyone, especially immigrants and people of color in the most marginalized jobs.
This spirit of cross-racial solidarity between Filipino and Mexican American workers remains one of the most powerful, under-told stories in American labor history.
Resources to Learn More
If you’ve never heard of Larry Itliong, you’re not alone — but let’s change that. Here are some ways to learn more about this remarkable leader:
📖 Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong, by Dawn Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta — The first-ever children’s book about Itliong’s life
🎥 Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers (PBS Documentary) — A moving documentary about Itliong and the Filipino farmworkers
🖥️ Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) — Resources and history about Filipino American labor and community history
🏫 California recognizes October 25 as Larry Itliong Day — learn how local schools and organizations celebrate his legacy
Why Larry Itliong Matters
Larry Itliong reminds us that labor movements are built by many hands, across many cultures. His leadership challenges the singular narratives of history, making space for stories of Asian American resilience, resistance, and solidarity.
His story matters because it teaches us that the fight for justice is bigger than one community — it’s a collective, interwoven struggle for dignity and rights for all.
“We didn’t want to be controlled by anyone. We wanted to control our own union and decide our own fate.”
— Larry Itliong
Join the Conversation
Today, share Larry Itliong’s name. Teach someone his story. Reflect on how solidarity between immigrant and marginalized communities is as important now as ever.
Hashtags: #31DaysOfAPIHeritage #LarryItliong #DelanoGrapeStrike #FarmworkerJustice #FilipinoAmericanHistory #LaborSolidarity #AAPILeader #UnitedFarmWorkers #CrossCulturalSolidarity
Asian and Pacific Islander heritage is not monolithic. It stretches across dozens of nations, languages, histories, and spiritual traditions. In honoring these figures, we also honor the beautiful plurality of cultures, family traditions, and lived experiences that make up API communities in America.
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