Delano dedicates park to Fil-Am labor rights icon Larry Itliong

Photo by Melody Ybarra on Bakersfield.com

In honor of the Filipino American labor icon, the city of Delano in California immortalized the legacy of Larry Itliong by inaugurating a “Larry Itliong Unity Park.”

Labor rights icon Larry Itliong. FILE PHOTO

The park, named in honor of Itliong’s important role in the labor movement, stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the community and the broader struggle for workers’ rights.

For the uninitiated, Itliong, often regarded as a cornerstone figure in the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement, spearheaded the historic 1965 grape strike in the heart of Central California’s agricultural landscape. This strike, which echoed the demands for fair wages and humane working conditions, marked a turning point in the fight for farmworkers’ rights.

“It didn’t matter what color you are, he helped anybody,” shared Johnny Itliong, his son, in an interview with KBAK. “What I’m trying to do is tell people, ‘Hey, you know what, don’t get your feelings hurt so easily, ’cause your feelings hurt is not racism. Stand up, be a man, be a woman, help each other,’ and that’s what my father’s message was.”

Itliong’s collaboration with fellow labor activists such as Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta laid the groundwork for the formation of the UFW, a union dedicated to championing the rights of farmworkers across America.

Beyond commemorating Itliong’s legacy and contributions, “Larry Itliong Unity Park” serves as a vital community space, equipped with amenities such as a playground, amphitheater and the city’s only pool – a refuge from Delano’s scorching summer temperatures.

According to Bakersfield’s report, the $4.5 million project, initiated in 2013 and dedicated to Itliong in 2022, symbolizes a commitment to preserving his memory and acknowledging the enduring contributions of the Filipino community.

As Mayor Joe Alindajao aptly noted, the park stands as a tangible reminder of Itliong’s advocacy and the resilience of those who continue to strive for social justice in his spirit.