Filipino and Mexican American farmworkers united in 1965 to strike against California grape growers, under the stewardship of Filipino labor leader Larry Itliong and one of the founders of the National Farm Workers Association, César Chavez. It was a pivotal moment that has been highlighted in books, monuments and even a stage musical.
In the wake of recent allegations that Chavez sexually abused young women and girls in the labor rights movement, Filipino Americans — including descendants of the striking workers — are navigating how to celebrate this historic chapter moving forward.
Filipino groups have canceled plans to march on César Chavez Day, and advocates want to rename the March 31 celebration to focus on Filipino and Chicano farmworkers, particularly women, while acknowledging the survivors of Chavez’s abuse…