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Stop AAPI Hate Interviews Marc Grossman, Spokesperson for the Chavez Foundation

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To honor both Hispanic Heritage Month and Filipino American History Month, Stop AAPI Hate spoke with Marc Grossman, spokesperson for the Cesar Chavez Foundation, on the legacy of cross-racial solidarity between Filipino and Mexican-American farmworkers. In the interview, Grossman shared his personal experiences with Cesar Chavez and the movement, as well as how the Foundation continues to promote and uphold social justice and cross-racial solidarity. Keep reading for their full conversation:

 

How did you meet César Chavez? 

Marc: I came of age, socially and politically, in the 1960s. I did my undergraduate work in American history at the University of California, Irvine. Farm labor history was something I took an interest in. I guess at some point, I figured out that it would be a lot more interesting to be a part of history than to just read about it.

This was during the time of the Delano Grape Strike and Boycott — and so, after class and on weekends, I picketed supermarkets. I’d join car caravans bringing food and clothes to the striking workers in Delano. The first time I met César was at Filipino Hall, where the caravans ended up. But I really got to know him through his eldest son, Fernando; we’ve been close friends since we were both 19- or 20-year-old college students. I knew César the last 24 years of his life, and this is my 54th year with the movement.

What a time to be a part of the labor movement! Can you tell me more about César’s decision to join the Delano Grape Strike? At that point, what was the relationship between Latino and Filipino farmworkers? 

Marc: To answer that question, you have to go back to 1962, when César Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Gilbert Padilla, and others started the NFWA — what became the United Farm Workers (UFW). You know, the genesis of their activism was not labor organizing. It was community organizing. And while they understood only a union could overcome abuses in the fields, they were also convinced that when the workers left the job site and returned to their communities, they faced crippling dilemmas having to do with race, language, and ethnicity. This was real discrimination and they believed it would take more than a union to overcome these dilemmas. It would take a movement.

The UFW helped pioneer several labor innovations. The first was solidarity between the races because they knew from studying history that the way growers broke field strikes and crushed unions was by pitting the races against each other. They used Latinos to break the Filipino strikes and Filipinos to break Latino strikes.

So, when Larry Itliong asked César and the UFW to join the picket lines, they didn’t think they had a choice. They insisted that grape strikers of both races share the same picket lines, the same union hall, and the same strike kitchen. That was unequivocal. It’s true — a few members of César’s union — Chicano nationalists — objected to joining the Filipino farmworkers, and asked to put it to a union vote. And César told them he believed in union democracy, but he didn’t think you should vote on whether or not to discriminate. He said, “you can have your vote — and I’ll quit and go join the Filipino union instead.” That was the end of the debate.

That is such a powerful anecdote — especially during a difficult time for race relations in the America of the 1960s. Tell me, what was the origin of the César Chavez Foundation when César Chavez and others created it under a different name, and what is the Chavez Foundation now?

Marc: Since César and his colleagues knew it would take a movement to redress abuses in the community, during the ‘60s César, Larry Itliong and others also founded what today is the Chavez Foundation, to transform communities.

It has built and renovated—and manages—close to 6,000 units of high quality affordable housing for families and seniors over four states—nearly $1 billion invested in disadvantaged communities. It entertains, educates, and encourages community engagement through our Communications Group—nine radio stations in four states with more than one million listeners. It develops future leaders and helps close the achievement gap through educational programs, products, and services. And it runs the National Chavez Center to preserve and educate people about César’s legacy and values.

Does this mean César stopped working with Filipino farmworkers after the strike was over?

Marc: Not at all. From the beginning, the UFW and César Chavez Foundation worked closely with Filipino farmworkers — the manongs. Are you familiar with the term?

No, what does that mean? 

Marc: Well, most of the Filipino immigrants from that generation came to the U.S. in their teens and twenties in the 1920s and ‘30s. Since California’s racist anti-miscegenation laws banned inter-racial marriage and Filipino women were not imported, most were denied the right to marry, to have families, and most had no choice but to live as bachelors.

By the end of the five-year-long Delano Grape Strike in 1970, many of these men were in their sixties and seventies. Some did return to work under the protections of UFW contracts, but many were too old for farm labor. They had lived in farm labor camps for decades, were evicted during the strike, and had no decent places to live.

This gave rise to the Paulo Agbayani Retirement Village — the first ever retirement home for Filipino farmworkers built by the farm worker movement on our Forty Acres property in Delano in 1973-74. It was built with all volunteer labor, including many Asian American college students, some who volunteered days, weeks, and months of free labor. There’s a plaque on the wall of the recreation area with names of all of the volunteers who built it. Congresswoman Judy Chu from Los Angeles is on that plaque.

Wow, I had no idea. Tell me more about the village. 

Marc: Many of the manongs — many veterans of the Delano Grape Strike — were able to live out the rest of their years in comfort and security. They had a garden where they grew their own vegetables, a recreation room, and an industrial kitchen that served three meals of Filipino cuisine every day. Across the way was the movement’s Rodrigo Toronto Memorial Health Clinic, where they could access health services, and a service center where they could get help with Social Security and other benefits.

The last Filipino brother who lived there died in 1989, but we continue to administer the village, preserve it with historical artifacts and photos, and host visitors there from all over the country and around the world. Many Filipino Americans say they consider this as sacred ground. We have a long-range plan of turning it into a museum of Filipino American history.

This is such an important piece of Filipino American History — and I can’t believe I’m hearing about it for the first time. Let me ask you a final question. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I wonder if you can share a lesson you learned from César Chavez — something that you think the movement can benefit from moving forward. 

Marc: César believed the union had to be more than just an economic institution; it had to champion the causes of other struggling workers and oppressed people. Sometimes, he took unpopular stands. He came out against the Vietnam War when many national labor leaders supported it. He unequivocally embraced LGBTQ rights starting in the ‘70s, long before it was popular. I met Harvey Milk accompanying César as his personal aide to events in San Francisco. His idea of leadership was not following the crowd, but getting out in front of the crowd.

About AAPI Hate

Stop AAPI Hate is a national coalition fighting against racism and racial injustice targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Together, we work with local communities and government stakeholders to document the rise of anti-AAPI hate and dismantle the systems that allow it to persist. To learn more, visit stopaapihate.org.

Credit: This article was originally published by Stop AAPI Hate.

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Honoring Cesar Chavez’s Legacy: The Inaugural Cesar Chavez Lowrider and Classic Car Show

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This summer, the National Chavez Center hosted a remarkable event that brought together thousands of passionate individuals. The Cesar Chavez Lowrider and Classic Car Show, held in partnership with the Classic Dreams Car Club, was a testament to the enduring spirit of lowrider and classic car clubs. These clubs have deep-rooted connections with the Latino community and continue to advocate for its well-being.

Car clubs have played a pivotal role in supporting causes dear to the hearts of many within the Latino movement. They were instrumental in the United Farm Worker’s march from Delano to Sacramento, which took place last year in support of Assembly Bill 2183. During this march, the idea for a car show at the NCC took place thanks to a fortunate encounter between Executive Director Andres Chavez and members of Bakersfield car clubs.

Reflecting on that encounter, Andres Chavez spoke to the Bakersfield News-Press, saying, “I was on that march and was really moved personally by their commitment.” This profound connection prompted him to reach out to a gathering of Bakersfield lowrider clubs to gauge their interest in organizing an event at the historic center.

On August 12, thousands of car enthusiasts from across southern California converged at the National Chavez Center to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farm worker movement at the inaugural Cesar Chavez Lowrider and Classic Car Show. The event was a vibrant celebration of culture and community, with one of the highlights being the “Sí Se Puede Car Club,” a name deeply rooted in the movement.

The event also provided an opportunity to honor individuals like Martina Contreras, whose unwavering commitment to the cause made her a backbone of the movement. Her contributions were immeasurable, from preparing meals for hundreds to hosting union meetings at her home. Today, her children continue to honor her memory and dedication to La Causa.

The inaugural Cesar Chavez Lowrider and Classic Car Show was a powerful reminder that, as Cesar Chavez famously proclaimed, “Sí Se Puede” – Yes, we can – make a difference and continue the legacy of justice and equality for all.

Images courtesy of Chicano Soul 

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Cesar Chavez Lowrider & Classic Car Show

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Join us for a FREE family event at the National Chavez Center on Saturday, August 12, from 12 – 8 pm, “Cesar Chavez Lowrider & Car Show,” hosted by Classic Dreams Car Club.

Don’t miss a special performance by Bakersfield-native group Mento Buru at 5 pm. For car registration, please complete the registration form here: https://bit.ly/ChavezCarShow23

All proceeds benefit the Cesar Chavez Foundation and National Chavez Center.



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 6:00 am – 10:30 am                     Car Show Registration and Roll-In

12:00 pm                                        Doors open

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm                       DJ Amar1e

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm                         Aztec Dancers

1:30 pm – 3:00 PM                         DJ Amar1e

3:00 pm – 3:30 PM                         DJ Mikey (until 8 pm)

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm                        Performance by Chuck and Aranza Alexandria

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm                        Presentation of Car Show Awards

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm                        Performance by Mento Buru

8:00 pm                                         Doors close


CAR SHOW REGISTRATION 

Roll in is from 6:00 am 10:30 am. Strict 10:30 am deadline.

Day of registration is $30 on a first-come, first-serve basis. *CASH PAYMENT ONLY*

For additional information, contact Jose Fernandez at 661-840-2953 or Lulu Salas at 661.201.2774.

TRAILER TOWING

If you are trailer towing your car, designated parking will be available.


EVENT INFORMATION

  • The gates open at 12 PM
  • General Admission Parking is FREE
  • General Admission is FREE
  • Classic Car and Lowrider roll in from 6:00 am – 10:30 am
  • In-door cooling stations available
  • Indoor and outdoor seating will be available
  • Closed-toe shoes are recommended
  • Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited
  • Smoking is not allowed (location is a high-risk fire zone)
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Cesar Chavez Foundation, Partners Break Ground on High-quality Affordable Housing Community in Pomona, Calif

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Cesar Chavez Foundation, Partners Break Ground on High-quality Affordable Housing Community in Pomona, California

Pomona, CA – The Cesar Chavez Foundation, City of Pomona, Citi, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), and UnitedHealthcare announced the groundbreaking of a new affordable housing community in Pomona. Chris Hartmire Plaza, named after the late Reverend Chris Hartmire, is being developed by the Cesar Chavez Foundation and will create 90 units of affordable housing for low-income families and homeless veterans on a formerly vacant lot.

The groundbreaking marks the start of construction of the 90 units, comprised of 30 one-bedroom units, 30 two-bedroom units, and 30 three-bedroom units reserved for families earning between 30%-60% AMI, along with units reserved for persons with disabilities, including individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Through a partnership with Tri-Cities Mental Health Center, a public agency providing mental health services to the communities of Pomona, Claremont, and La Verne, residents will have access to on-site social service programs. Additionally, the development will feature an on-site health clinic. East Valley Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to the East San Gabriel Valley and Pomona Communities, will occupy an approximately 6,756 square-foot ground-floor health clinic servicing residents and the local community.

“Chris Hartmire Plaza is a critical addition to our community, and we are proud to bring this much-needed affordable housing to Pomona,” said Paul Chavez, President of the Cesar Chavez Foundation. “Our mission is to improve the lives of working families, and this development is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

“We are pleased to be a part of the financing for the Chris Hartmire Plaza. The combination of affordable apartments with supportive services and healthcare in one LEED-certified building will be transformative to the City of Pomona,” said Carrie Lee, Director at Citi Community Capital.

The highly sustainable LEED-certified buildings, designed by Onyx Architects, will feature a publicly accessible pocket park at the center of the project site. Additional features include common areas, a community center, tot lot, and laundry facilities.

The total development cost for the project is $75.8 million. The project is receiving 28 project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of Pomona, in which eight will be dedicated to veterans. In addition, the project received $1.7 million from the City of Pomona in the form of a development impact fee note and permanent local housing allocation funds. The California Department of Housing and Community Development is investing $20.8 million through their Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities and No Place Like Home programs; in addition, $4.6 million in grant funds from California Housing Accelerator. Citi provided an additional $58 million in construction financing, and $13 million in subordinate construction financing was provided through a partnership between CPC, UnitedHealth Group, and CSH. The San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust is investing $1 million into project.

“Chris Hartmire Plaza will not only create dozens of new affordable homes and provide supportive services to its tenants, it will also provide a new healthcare resource that is accessible to the broader community,” said Robert Riggs, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, the Community Preservation Corporation. “As a non-profit lender dedicated to addressing our nation’s housing crisis, CPC is proud to partner with the Cesar Chavez Foundation, the City of Pomona, Citibank, UnitedHealthcare Group and CSH on this project that will serve the unique housing needs of the Pomona community.”

“UnitedHealth Group recognizes the strong connection between housing and health to improving health,” said Steve Cain, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California, part of UnitedHealth Group, which has invested more than $800 million to build new affordable housing communities in more than 25 states, including $70 million in California. “Building new affordable housing for vulnerable people is an investment in the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.”

“Today’s groundbreaking represents what is possible when cross-sector institutions collaborate to support much-needed affordable supportive housing,” said Debbie Thiele, Managing Director, Western Region at CSH. “Chris Hartmire Plaza is an example of how the state can address the critical need we identified through the CA Needs Assessment to bridge affordable housing and healthcare services for people experiencing complex barriers to housing.”

The property is named after Reverend Chris Hartmire, who worked with civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez and other early organizers before there was a farm worker union. Hartmire selflessly dedicated himself for decades to building what became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Always humble and soft-spoken, Chris inspired countless women and men to activism and “servanthood” by dedicating themselves to the UFW and other good works.