Bold Step: my first public appearance with A Village in the Fields

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Today is the day the farm workers under the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) walked out of the fields and struck for better wages and better working conditions. Thus began the Great Delano Grape Strike.

This past weekend, the Delano chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and the Welga Project of the University of California at Davis put together an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary. From FANHS Delano chapter president Alex Edillor’s welcome to California State Assemblymember Rob Bonta’s keynote address, from the educational sessions of esteemed panelists in academia, labor and unions, history, and the community to the entertainment of dance troupes, poets, and musicians, it was a time to celebrate the contributions of Filipino Americans to the farm labor movement.

I was honored to be invited to read an excerpt from my novel and to meet all these incredible movers and shakers in their respective fields. You can read a more in-depth report of my Labor Day Weekend in my blog post under The Dress at 50. But here, you can enjoy the pictorial of my first reading and event.

Where it all began on Saturday: The Filipino Community Cultural Center of Delano.
Where it all began on Saturday: The Filipino Community Cultural Center of Delano.

 

Filipino American National Historical Society Delano chapter president Alex Edillor welcomes everyone to Bold Step.
Filipino American National Historical Society Delano chapter president Alex Edillor welcomes everyone to Bold Step.

 

California State Assemblyperson Rob Bonita giving the keynote address.
California State Assemblyperson Rob Bonta giving the keynote address.

 

Book signing on a Saturday at Robert F. Kennedy High School.
Book signing on a Saturday at Robert F. Kennedy High School.

 

Dr. Dawn Mabalon of San Francisco State and Dr. Robyn Rodriguez of UC Davis on a panel about the historical legacies to the grape strike.
Dr. Dawn Mabalon of San Francisco State and Dr. Robyn Rodriguez of UC Davis on a panel about the historical legacies of the grape strike.

 

First public reading of A Village in the Fields, at the Filipino Community Cultural Center of Delano, Saturday, Sept. 5.
First public reading of A Village in the Fields, at the Filipino Community Cultural Center of Delano, Saturday, Sept. 5.

 

A selfie with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker/director Marissa Aroy, whose documentary is The Delano Manongs: The Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers.
A selfie with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker/director Marissa Aroy, whose documentary is The Delano Manongs: The Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers.

 

My cousin Leila Eleccion Pereira gave such a stirring endorsement for my book to the San Esteban Schools Alumni Association members in attendance at the Sunday evening dance.
My cousin Leila Eleccion Pereira gave such a stirring endorsement for my book to the San Esteban Schools Alumni Association members in attendance at the Sunday evening dance.

 

The pilgrimage to Agbayani Village, my first time back since 2004.
The pilgrimage to Agbayani Village, my first time back since 2004.

 

Sunset over Agbayani Village.
Sunset over Agbayani Village.

 

Addressing the audience at the San Esteban Schools Alumni Association at their event. The top scholar in the community this year was awarded my book.
Addressing the audience at the San Esteban Schools Alumni Association at their event. The top scholar in the community this year was awarded my book.

2 comments on “Bold Step: my first public appearance with A Village in the Fields”

  1. Congrats on the launch of your book!
    As an educator and oral historian, I would love to promote your book to my extensive networks @ForCommunities on all social media. Would you be open to sending me a review copy ?

    Please email me.

    Congrats and thanks!
    ~ Joanie

    Reply

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