© 2024 KVPR | Valley Public Radio - White Ash Broadcasting, Inc. :: 89.3 Fresno / 89.1 Bakersfield
89.3 Fresno | 89.1 Bakersfield
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
76 new monthly members to go to reach our March goal! Start a new monthly gift today, or increase your existing monthly donation to help us reach the goal.

'Journey For Justice' Highlights Life And Work Of United Farm Worker Co-Founder Larry Itliong

Courtesy of Bridge + Delta Publishing
From left to right: illustrator Andre Sibayan, and authors Gayle Romasantan and Dr. Dawn Mabalon. The three created the book, "Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong," to commemorate the work of Filipino activist and farm-laborer, Larry Itliong.

When you think of civil rights leaders from the Central Valley, names like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta probably come to mind, but another fundamental figure in the farm-labor movement was Larry Itliong. The Filipino activist co-founded the United Farm Workers of America and was pivotal in the Delano Grape Strike. His life was recently memorialized in a children’s book, “Journey For Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong," co-written by historian Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta. The book was illustrated by Andre Sibayan.

Listen to the interview above to hear one of the authors, Gayle Romasanta, discuss what it was like to write the first book recounting Larry Itliong’s impact in the Central Valley.

The book’s tour kick-off begins this weekend, with events taking place in Delano Friday through Sunday. Details and information to RSVP can be found at the website of Bridge + Delta Publishing.

Credit Courtesy of Bridge + Delta Publishing
/
Courtesy of Bridge + Delta Publishing

Laura Tsutsui was a reporter and producer for Valley Public Radio. She joined the station in 2017 as a news intern, and later worked as a production assistant and weekend host. Laura covered local issues ranging from politics to housing, and produced the weekly news program Valley Edition. She left the station in November 2020.