San Jose, California — San Jose State University (SJSU) is set to honor the legacy of Filipino American farmworkers with a new mural, aiming to fill a gap in their historical representation.
An empty wall at SJSU’s Student Union will soon feature a mural recognizing the contributions of Filipino American farmworkers, a project spearheaded by a coalition of students, alumni, faculty, and community groups.
The initiative addresses the omission of Filipino figures such as Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz from the “Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice,” unveiled in 2008. This archway, commemorating the United Farm Workers Movement, has thus far highlighted the achievements of Mexican American leaders like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, overlooking the vital role played by Filipino labor leaders.
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Manong Robert Ragsac, founder of Pinoytown San Jose, and Ariana Lacson, president and CEO of SJSU’s Associated Students, have both expressed their support for the mural, emphasizing the need for full representation of Filipino American history.
The mural will consist of four panels, potentially integrating various aspects of Filipino American history into a cohesive design.
Community support is crucial for the project’s success. We encourage you to donate by visiting the coalition’s fundraising page. Your support will help ensure that the important contributions of Filipino farmworkers are properly recognized.
