Larry Itliong

Definition

Larry Itliong was a prominent Filipino American labor leader and activist known for his pivotal role in the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement during the 1960s. His leadership and advocacy for farmworkers' rights were crucial in coalition-building with other marginalized communities, contributing to a broader fight for racial justice and workers' rights in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Larry Itliong was a key figure in the Delano Grape Strike, which began in 1965 and lasted for five years, uniting workers from diverse backgrounds to demand better labor conditions.
2. He played a vital role in founding the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), which sought to empower farmworkers through collective action and organization.
3. Itliong's ability to forge alliances with other ethnic groups was essential in building a strong coalition that ultimately led to the formation of the United Farm Workers union.
4. His activism highlighted the intersectionality of race and labor issues, showing how struggles for racial justice were deeply connected to the fight for workers' rights.
5. Larry Itliong's legacy continues to inspire modern movements advocating for labor rights and social justice across various communities of color.

Review Questions

• How did Larry Itliong contribute to the coalition-building among different ethnic groups during the Delano Grape Strike?
  • Larry Itliong was instrumental in bringing together Filipino and Mexican American farmworkers during the Delano Grape Strike. His efforts highlighted the importance of solidarity among diverse groups, which strengthened their collective bargaining power. Itliong's leadership showcased how united action across ethnic lines could effectively address common struggles for better working conditions and pay.
• Discuss the significance of Larry Itliong's work within the broader context of racial justice movements in the United States.
  • Larry Itliong's work is significant as it exemplifies the interconnectedness of labor rights and racial justice movements. He recognized that the fight for fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers could not be separated from the struggle against systemic racism. This dual focus allowed for a more inclusive approach to activism, which has been crucial in shaping contemporary movements that address both economic and racial inequalities.
• Evaluate the impact of Larry Itliong's activism on modern labor movements and their connection to racial justice.
  • Larry Itliong's activism has had a lasting impact on modern labor movements by setting a precedent for coalition-building across racial lines. His strategies emphasized the necessity of addressing both economic injustice and racial discrimination simultaneously. This holistic approach continues to resonate today, as contemporary movements draw inspiration from Itliong's legacy to advocate for comprehensive reforms that encompass both labor rights and racial equity in various sectors.

Related terms

United Farm Workers: A labor union for farmworkers in the United States that was founded by Cesar Chavez and others, aiming to improve working conditions and wages for agricultural laborers.

Delano Grape Strike: A significant labor strike initiated by Filipino and Mexican American farmworkers in Delano, California, in 1965, demanding better pay and working conditions.

Racial Justice: The concept of fair treatment of individuals regardless of their race or ethnicity, often involving the fight against systemic discrimination and inequality.