UFW Filipino co-founder's son speaks out amidst allegations against Cesar Chavez

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Cesar Chavez is among the original pioneers of the United Farmworkers of America, but what many don't know is that this movement also included key Filipino activists who were an integral part of the 1960's Delano Grape Strike.

These allegations have caused many to take a closer look at the organization's complicated past.

"I've been trying to expose Chavez's misdoings as far as with my father, trying to take the credit for my father who started the union and organized. It's unfortunate that it has to happen this way, but I'm glad that it's finally happening," says Johnny Itliong, Larry Itliong's son.

In his own words, Jonny Itliong speaks out on behalf of his late father. Larry Itliong, a prominent Filipino farmworker and labor leader, was seen alongside Cesar Chavez in various historic images.

Itliong says his father approached Chavez back in the 1960's and asked him to merge unions. This started the Delano Grape Strike.

"We've been trying to correct the history of the UFW and get the stories out, and you know the truth, the truth of it all. Obviously, there's much more to the UFW than just Chavez and Dolores Huerta," says Itliong.

Johnny's wounds run deep; he tells Action News his father's legacy was left in the shadow of Chavez. Now, he is also hurting for the women who have come forward to say that Chavez sexually assaulted them.

"My heart goes out to all of you, all of the victims," says Itliong.

Chavez, a prominent Chicano figure and, for some, even seen as saintly, has now had his legacy dimmed by allegations.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, many have shifted their focus away from Chavez himself and more toward the unseen heroes of the labor movement.

"More and more authors have been trying to make the argument that we should reframe the way that we understand the movement, that we should take a step back at the contributions that so many people made," says Dr. Alina Mendez, Chicano Studies Associate Professor at Fresno State University.

Mendez says the new allegations of sexual abuse will impact the curriculum, but is hopeful they will not bruise the movement.

"The UFW for many was the spark that ignited lifelong commitments to enacting positive change, and I hope that we don't forget that," says Mendez.

On Wednesday, the UFW held a protest outside the Federal Courthouse in Downtown Fresno. The National President, Teresa Romero, spoke with Action News directly about these allegations.

"I would ask everybody to not try to justify anything that happened, not to condone it. It was wrong, and respecting victims is the most important thing. Let's continue to work and focus on the important work that we do. It is not about one person. It is about all of the farmworkers in the country," says Romero.

While many are now focused on renaming anything honoring Cesar Chavez, there are many lasting tributes to Larry Itliong.

There is a park in Delano named after him, and there is also a state holiday that is celebrated each year on October 25.

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