October: Filipino-American History Month
Filipino-Americans feel a larger sense of pride in the month of October as it is Filipino History Month. In commemorating the first Filipinos that stepped foot in California over 500 years ago, October is filled with music, dancing, and community.
The birthplace of Filipino-American history is in our very own San Joaquin County where many historical events have occurred. Larry Itliong, an activist and labor leader, helped spark the United Farmworkers Movement alongside Cesar Chavez and the Delano Manongs in Delano, California. On September 8th, 1965, they walked out of the Delano vineyards due to poor pay and labor conditions.
Later on, we would also see the birth of Little Manila Rising in Stockton, CA, which was founded by the late Dr. Dawn Mabalon and Dillon Delvo. Little Manila Rising is a program that strives to educate and share about Filipino culture and history, especially within Stockton. One of the major lessons is that of the McDonalds and the 76 gas stations that gave way to gentrification. Due to the popularity these two businesses were gaining, Stockton officials opted to build the crosstown freeway. However, after it was built, Filipinos and other POC were told that they could not live north of it. This created a large divide between the city which is still evident now. More information on this can be found at Little Manila’s website: https://www.littlemanila.org/.
Only 4 miles from Little Manila Rising is Stockton’s very own crosstown freeway which was built in response to growing tourism. Many from out of town would visit due to the McDonald’s and 76 gas stations that paved the way for gentrification (an already existing urban area that is impacted by the arrival of wealthier people that often leads to displacement of residents). The effects of this led to the building of the crosstown freeway to make traveling to and out of Stockton easier. Unfortunately, officials used this project as an excuse for segregation, where those who were POC could only live south of the freeway. The lasting effects of this segregation is still very visible today, but many organizations are sure to undo those harmful effects.
Pacific’s own Filipino Club, Kilusan Pilipino (Filipino Movement), is one of the largest clubs on campus. Abigayle Ramboyong, 3rd Year Pre-Pharmacy, is also the administrative assistant for Kilusan. “Before joining [Kilusan Pilipino], I only knew teleseryes (Filipino soap operas) and casual talk, but no history or dances. I was surprised, as a Filipino myself, that I could learn more about my own culture,” says Ramboyong. Kilusan has their meetings every Wednesday at 8PM in Grace Tiger Lounge.
“Because I'm not Filipino, what really hit me was learning about gentrification that started because of the first McDonalds”, says Evangeline Tang, 3rd Year Pre-Pharmacy and another member of Kilusan Pilipino. FAHM serves to teach everyone about Filipino culture and it is what makes October very important for Filipino-Americans. More resources can be found at https://www.littlemanila.org/.
