When I was at the University of California at Davis for the Civic Leadership Forum: A Filipino Community Policy Symposium in September, I met Miguel Bryan Juteau, a design student attending Berkeley City College (BCC) who was going to be attending Davis next fall. I was away from my book display when he happened to walk by and told Abe Ignacio, librarian for the Filipino collection at the San Francisco Public Library and whose table I was sharing, that he had recently gotten my book. Abe let him know that I was here and that he could talk to me about the book. It was a serendipitous moment for the both of us.
From that pleasant meeting, Miguel let me know that he is president of the Filipino Students Alliance at BCC and he was planning Filipino-American History Month noon-time events in October. Would I be interested in talking about my book and Filipino-American contributions to the farm labor movement, he wanted to know. Absolutely. So on Wednesday, October 24th, the day before labor leader Larry Itliong’s birthday, I gave short reading from A Village in the Fields, and then talked about the importance of getting history rightfully recorded, little-known facts about the Great Delano Grape Strike and boycott, and, speaking to my passion, the importance of Ethnic Studies. I also did a short Q&A.
I’ve never been to BCC, so when Miguel told me that the event would be in the atrium, in the basement, I had visions of a small room in a basement, forgetting the definition of atrium! When I walked downstairs, I came upon a light-filled (atrium!) open area that had several rows of chairs facing a podium. When I looked up, I could see the several floors above, and the ability for people to peer over and be a part of the event.
BCC President Dr. Rowena Tomaneng gave a warm welcome and introduction. It was so nice to see the seats filled with faculty and engaged students. And in a heartwarming move, Felicia Layser Robertson saw my event post on Facebook and sent out an email to our fellow ECHS Gaucho moms from baseball to join her. So Felicia, Yoko Morita, Estella Sloan, and Kelly Whitney were in attendance, which was really nice.
Afterwards, Miguel presented me with a bag full of BCC swag, which I will proudly use and wear. Filipino food was served, and Miguel thoughtfully prepared a plate for me. I don’t get a chance to eat lumpia often, so when the opportunity arises, I savor the moment. The food was great. I stayed and chatted with students and faculty. It’s so nice to hear that the students didn’t know about the Fil-Am contributions to the farm labor movement or who the Filipino labor leaders were, but that they were grateful to learn. I often quote Jose Rizal (at least the quote is attributed to him from the sources I’ve seen): “No history, no self. Know history, know self.”
Maraming salamat, Miguel and Dr. Tomaneng! Happy Filipino-American History Month!
