December 7th and 8th, Bayan Scholars Learning Community took a Cultural Immersion and Transfer University Exposure tour. The trip provided cultural insight and increased awareness and transfer possibilities outside of our local universities.
We visited Filipino Historical Site Agbayani Village/Forty Acres in Delano, California. Scholars experienced the cultural and historical significance of the Filipino and Filipino-American involvement in the Grape Strike of 1965 and the integral part Filipino leaders Larry Itliong and Philip Veracruz played in the strike and eventual establishment of the United Farm Workers Union. Prior to the trip, Students viewed the documentary about the Grape Strike in the documentary The Delano Manongs prior to the visit as preparation.
While at Agbayani Village/Forty Acres, students listened to stories and histories from members of the Filipino American National Historical Society of Delano. Students toured the facility and the room where Cesar Chavez participated in his fast and well as viewed photos and documents of the history of the strike and development of Agbayani Village (the eventual retirement home for the Filipino Manongs.) This trip marks the third time Bayan scholars made the pilgrimage to this historic site.
Bayan scholars also took a university tour to California State University Bakersfield. They experienced student life as a Road Runner and were exposed to programs and opportunities outside San Diego County.
Many thanks to SWC Foundation, SWC Associated Student Organization, and the School of Counseling and Student Support Programs for sponsoring funding our trip.
- Crystal Alberto
1 comment:
This trip alone to the grape fields and historic site gave me such an immersive experience into the living conditions of the farm labourers. In addition to hearing manang Suzanne talk in-depth regarding her endeavors in society around that time, hearing manong Roger speak extemporaneously about his own struggles in the discriminatory system added so much weight to the legacy and effect his peers had on the strides made for Filipinos during the second wave. Receiving history from a living fossil, is truly--historic.
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