California governor signs law making Oct. 25 ‘Larry Itliong Day’

October 25 is now “Larry Itliong Day” in California, in honor of the late Filipino American labor hero.

LOS ANGELES — California Governor Jerry Brown on June 30 signed into law a bill establishing “Larry Itliong Day” every October 25.

“October 25 is my dad’s birthday and this law is a huge step for both the Itliong family and the Filipino communities in our efforts to change history books to reflect the important contribution of our agricultural workers in this country,” the late labor leader’s son, Johnny Itliong, told TheFilamLA.

Assemblymember Rob Bonta (Dem-Oakland), who sponsored the bill had announced on June 22 that his bill to establish “Larry Itliong Day” in California passed the Senate with unanimous and bipartisan support (37-0).

After barely eight days, the governor signed AB 7 into law proclaiming Itliong’s October 25th birthdate as “Larry Itliong Day” in the state. This encourages public schools to teach about Itliong’s life and contributions to California.

Larry Itliong’s son, Johnny. THE FILAM LA PHOTO

“Larry Itliong was one of the greatest labor organizers and leaders in California history. He was a hero not only to the Filipino American community, but for all Californians and Americans who fought and continue to fight for socioeconomic and racial justice in our state and nation. AB 7 properly honors his life’s work as a great historical leader for our state,” said Bonta.

Larry Itliong led the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), which was the first to strike for improved wages and working conditions in Delano in 1965, launching the California farm labor movement.

AWOC and the National Farm Workers Association, led by Cesar Chávez and Dolores Huerta, joined forces soon thereafter. In a press statement, Bonta stated that it was the urging of Itliong, that Chavez and Huerta started the now internationally famous United Farm Workers of America.

California Assembly Member Rob Bonta sponsored the “Larry Itliong Day” bill signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown.

“While the farm labor movement is often seen predominantly as a Latino movement, it encompassed much more than just one ethnic group. Filipino American and Latino labor leaders built a beautiful collaborative relationship to create the farm worker movement in California, and Larry Itliong played a critical leadership role in that movement. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to recognize his contributions to California,” Bonta concluded.

Bonta is the first and only Filipino American elected to the California State Assembly, and he explained that it’s important to him that the largely untold story of the Filipino American experience in California be told.

AB 7 was supported by the Alameda Labor Council, AFL-CIO; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO; Asian Americans Advancing Justice; Asian Pacific Environmental Network; California College and University Police Chiefs Association; California History Center Foundation De Anza College; California Immigrant Policy Center; City of Berkeley; Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles; Filipino American Coalition for Environmental Society; Filipino American National Historical Society, Santa Clara Valley Chapter; Filipino Senior Citizen Association; GK 1 World Foundation;  Little Manila Foundation; Philippine National Day Association; Philippine Weekend, Inc.;  San Francisco State University; and Yerba Buena High School.

Visit AB 7 to read the full text of the bill.

Learn more about Itliong in this Assembly Access Video.

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