In the South Bay, a new opportunity to dedicate a visual marker is renewing a push for more representation. Filipino American students and alumni at San Jose State University, along with community groups across the region, are leading an effort to memorialize the legacy of Filipino-American farmworkers.
There are other monumental moments in time already memorialized on campus. The Olympic Black Power Statue depicting Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ brave protest at the 1968 Olympics stands tall. The Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice, commemorating the United Farm Workers Movement is hard to miss.
However, according to many, the contributions of Filipino American farmworkers is missing from the arch.
“Right now, our part of history is left out,” Ariana Lacson said. “And I’m just grateful that our university recognizes that and is trying to make amends basically. And make sure that we’re represented as Filipino students.”
Lacson is the President and CEO of the university’s Associated Students. A senior, she’s also a proud Filipino American, Fil-Am for short.