Arleen Jia Marmeto Rasing

Public Speaking TDGE 25

Larry Itliong (Working Outline)

Topic: Larry Itliong and his prominence as a Filipino-American activist

General Speech Purpose: To inform my audience about Larry Itliong’s contributions to
American history.
Specific Speech Purpose: To inform my audience about a historical figure from my own
community whose story has been overshadowed by the hegemonic narratives surrounding the
1960s farm workers’ movements.

Thesis: Larry Itliong played a significant role in American activism - especially through his
involvement in various labor movements and vivacious leadership - but to this day, his story and
legacy are both still severely unrecognized.

Introduction:

I. A couple of days ago, it was Larry Itliong Day.

II. Now, some of you may be wondering: who? Who is Larry Itliong?
III. Fighting alongside activists such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, Larry Itliong was
a prominent activist during the labor movements in the 1960s, especially during the
Delano Grape Strike.
IV. In fact, his legacy is defined by his heavy involvement in activism and creation of the
UFW alongside the Filipino- and Mexican-American communities, but his story often
isn’t told in historical texts and educational curriculums nationwide.
V. That’s what I am here to tell you - I am here to re-shape your previous understanding of a
significant event in American history by acknowledging a historical figure who played an
important role in it.

Transition: Before I start talking about the great things he’s done, I should talk a little more about
his background.

I. Itliong’s personal experiences with financial hardship and exploitative working

conditions in the United States were imperative in him leading up to becoming a
prominent activist.
A. Based on the information discovered about Itliong’s early familial life and cultural
implications, Itliong had already been exposed to financial hardships.
1. Itliong was born on October 25, 1913 to Artemio and Francesca Itliong.
 2. As one out of six children, it can be implicated that Itliong already had to
work at a young age to help his parents financially and look out for his
siblings.
3. This claim is further supported by the fact that he only received a
sixth-grade education before immigrating to the United States at age 15 in
order to look for work.
B. The United States was promoted to Itliong as a land of opportunity where he can
make his fortune; he quickly learned that this wasn’t the case at all when he
stepped onto American soil.
1. Sure, it was easier to gain entry into the country as a U.S. National.
2. However, racist policies were in implementation, the Great Depression
was just beginning, and the exploitative labor conditions didn’t help.
3. However, money was money, and he took on any jobs in multiple
locations, as long as he could be of use.

Transition: In the midst of traveling back and forth between multiple states and working jobs
such as the railroads, canneries, and fields, the commonality of terrible working conditions in all
of these occupations radicalized Itliong.

II. Long before the Delano Grape Strike, Itliong was already building traction and credibility
as a vivacious union leader for various labor organizations.
A. Itliong’s first real brush with activism
1. At age 20, he joined a strike of lettuce workers in Washington state.
2. This strike was essentially an induction into the man he was destined to
become.
B. He started taking more of an active role in organizing labor strikes.
1. He coordinated a strike regarding asparagus in Stockton, California.
2. He established the International Longshore and Warehouse Local 37
among salmon canneries; he worked his way up to becoming the vice
president.
3. In 1956, he was certified as the president of the Filipino Farm Labor
Union.
4. When the 60s rolled around, he was already the lead organizer for the
Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.

Transition: His illustrious career as an effective and persuasive activist was vital in ensuring the
success of the Delano Grape Strike.

III. Itliong left his strongest impression on American history through his efforts in the Delano
Grape Strike.
 A. On September 5, 1965, Itliong gathered members of the AWOC and fought
against the terrible working conditions and minimal wages offered by 33 grape
growers in the Delano area.
1. 2,000 people from the Filipino-American community also joined the
effort.
2. However, Itliong knew that those numbers wouldn’t be enough to create
genuine change in working conditions.
3. During this time, to discourage alliances, growing companies liked to pit
minorities and contribute even further to a hostile work environment.
4. Itliong realized that in order for the strike to work, he had to enlist Cesar
Chavez and the vast numbers of the Mexican-American community.
B. After some convincing, notable activists Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and the
entirety of the National Farm Workers Association joined the Grape Strike.
1. Itliong and Chavez combined their respective organizations together to
create what would become the United Farm Workers (UFW).
2. At one point, they all marched to the state government in Sacramento to
demand better wages, better working conditions, and better prospects
overall.
3. Thankfully, their efforts were not in vain, as their demands were granted
and the movement prevailed.

Transition: Unfortunately, the victory and solidarity were short-lived.

IV. A couple of factors fuelled Larry Itliong and other Filipino workers eventually leaving
the UFW.
A. (Subtly racial) Tensions rose within the UFW.
1. Differences rose amongst the leadership team and it was hard to lead the
organization as one.
2. The numbers of the Mexican-American community outnumbered that of
the Filipino-American demographic.
B. The roles of Filipino workers during the strike was being overshadowed.
1. More recognition was given to Cesar Chavez.
2. Itliong and other Filipino workers eventually resigned from the UFW.

Conclusion:
I. Come to think of it, the Delano Grape Strike wouldn’t have been successful without
Larry Itliong, yet his role in the movement was never discussed.
II. To make up for the fact that he hasn’t been acknowledged much in historical texts in
educational institutions nationwide, California has officially decreed October 25, his
birthday, to be Larry Itliong day.
III. Three days later, after the day itself, I am here telling his story to all of you.
IV. The Mexican community and history have done an astounding job in upholding the
legacies of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
V. I am here to do the same for my community, in upholding Itliong’s legacy and educating
people about the great things he’s done.
 Bibliography

Chang, B. (2013). Larry Itliong. In E. Park & X. Zhao (Eds.), Asian Americans: An encyclopedia
of social, cultural, and political history (1st ed., pp. 577-578). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO

Ling, Huping, and Allan W. Austin. “Itliong, Larry (1913-1977).” Asian American History and
Culture: An Enclycopedia, vol. 1-2, Routledge, 2015, pp. 288-289.