The Equity Partnership and Inclusion Committee (EPIC) in the School of Social Work celebrates the invaluable contributions of our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) activists like Larry Itliong (LEH-ree EET-lee-AW-ng), whose efforts were crucial for community activism.
Modesto “Larry” Dulay Itliong was a Filipino American labor organizer and civil rights activist who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Filipino American workers and other marginalized communities. Born in the Philippines in 1913, Itliong immigrated to the United States in 1929 in search of educational opportunities, only to face the harsh realities of the Great Depression and systemic racism against immigrants. Despite these challenges, Itliong became a pivotal organizer in various labor movements, including strikes in Washington and California during the 1930s.
His activism continued through World War II and his lifetime. He played a crucial role in organizing Filipino farmworkers in Stockton, California, and participated in landmark strikes such as the 1948 asparagus strike. In 1965, Itliong led Filipino farmworkers in a strike against grape growers in Delano, California, which eventually led to the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. His collaboration with César Chávez and Dolores Huerta brought together Filipino and Mexican farmworkers, leading to significant victories in improving wages and working conditions for agricultural laborers. Itliong also organized advocacy efforts for farm workers in Brazil and Chile and established a retirement community for aging Filipino farmworkers in Delano, CA.
Itliong's legacy as a champion for workers' rights and social justice endures. Itliong's story serves as a testament to the activism of Filipino Americans and their contributions to the broader labor and civil rights movements in the United States. Itliong and many other activists and scholars recognize how essential collective action is for the advancement of the API community. This includes a holistic lens to how macro, mezzo, and micro social work are connected and impact one another.
As we celebrate our API community and social workers, here are some AAPI movements at Portland State University and beyond:
Join the Pacific Islander, Asian & Asian American (PIAAA) Student Center for a week-long celebration to acknowledge our Pacific Islander community. Several events will be held in collaboration with the PSU Pacific Islander Club (PIC), Pacific Climate Warriors, and KALO HCC.
- May 22 - Volleyball Game with Campus Rec and KALO HCC
- May 23 - Pacific Islanders in the Diaspora panel
The AAPI ERG leadership team is facilitating a professional development workshop for our API community. The event information is listed below. Please RSVP by May 24th, so we can see who will be joining us.
- Where: Admissions Office – Boardroom, 1800 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 515 Portland Oregon, 97207
- When: June 4th at 12pm
- For: All AAPI Staff and Faculty at PSU.
- RSVP here.
APANO Communities United Fund (CUF) is one of Oregon's largest and oldest Asian and Pacific Islander advocacy organizations. For more than 25 years, APANO has worked to unite communities to build power, develop leaders and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development and cultural work.
Asian American Council of Oregon is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cultivation and promotion of Asian and Asian American heritage through cultural and social activities. Anyone with a strong interest in Asian and Asian American cultural heritage is welcome to get involved with the organization. An all-volunteer board of directors provide leadership and support for its sponsored activities in the community. The AACO works in partnership with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the business sector on many of its events and activities in the community to achieve its mission.
- Visit their website and support their work here.
Partners in Diversity created Community Resource Groups (CRGs) to better support professionals of color. They are affinity spaces designed to bring people together in a safe space to network, discuss current issues relevant to that specific community and learn from each other.
- Sign up for a CRG here to join Portland’s Asian Pacific Islander Community Resource Group (API CRG).
The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) creates a positive impact on Filipino businesses and the Oregon Economy. We do this through our active, engaged and diverse members and board leaders. We are proud of our thriving membership that reflects our entire state and honors the growing and diverse Filipino community. One of our most important tasks is preparing the next generation of Filipino leaders through our endowed scholarships, leadership training programs, board involvement and community volunteerism. Our community center serves as a place for our partners to gather and is the heart of our strong and meaningful presence locally, regionally, and internationally.
- Visit their website and support their work here.