Every March, San José State recognizes “Chávez, Huerta, and Itliong Month,” a time dedicated to honoring the legacy of three pivotal labor activists: César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong.
While Chávez remains the most widely recognized name, the contributions of Huerta and Itliong are equally important in the history of labor movements in the United States, according to an SJSU webpage.
Huerta was involved in co-founding the United Farm Workers alongside Chávez, playing a critical role in negotiations and organizing boycotts that improved conditions for farmworkers, according a May 13, 2023 History.com article.
Itliong, on the other hand, was a key figure in mobilizing Filipino laborers who were among the first to strike in 1965, setting the stage for one of the most influential labor movements in U.S. history, according to United Farm Workers.
Chávez, Huerta, and Itliong played fundamental roles in advocating for farmworkers' rights, particularly during the Delano Grape Strike of 1965, according to United Farm Workers.
This strike was a turning point in labor history and drew attention to the struggles of agricultural workers, which then paved the way for labor protections, according to the History Channel.
Diana Garcia Rodriguez, department coordinator of the SJSU César Chávez Community Action Center, showcases how the struggle for labor rights remains deeply relevant today.
"Our center serves as a way for students to get involved with their community on and off campus," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez emphasized the centers commitment to fostering student engagement and hands-on learning experiences.
"(The center was) born out of the need for service learning opportunities on campus and the most popular ways for students to get involved with us are through volunteering or participating in one of our fellowship programs," she said.
Rodriguez said the values of Chávez, Huerta, and Itliong are intertwined into the work done at the center.
It serves as a hub for activism and education, providing SJSU students with opportunities to engage in civic engagement, mentorship, and community-building initiatives.
Cierra Gorgoglione, a second-year communicative disorders and sciences student and a student worker at the SJSU César E. Chávez Community Action Center, expressed that the outreach efforts are a year-round commitment.
"We're always out on Seventh Street tabling, trying to draw people in,” Gorgoglione said. “We do giveaways through our center, host study hours, volunteer opportunities and organize events like movie nights and crafting sessions to keep students engaged.
Ada Ochuru, a fourth-year child development student who works at the center, emphasizes how collaboration while working at the center is key to student engagement.
"We work closely with student organizations and departments across campus to create programming that resonates with different communities,” Ochuru said. “ A lot of our events stem from direct input from student workers.”
Department coordinator Diana Garcia Rodriguez highlights that these events encourage students to draw inspiration from the United Farm Workers movement.
"Since SJSU students enjoy learning about how art can be embedded into community action, we like to host events that encourage creativity too," Rodriguez said.
Beyond attending events, students are encouraged to educate themselves on the history of these activists.
Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of sustained engagement.
"These are huge historical figures, especially in California, and understanding their impact helps us make connections to today’s labor struggles," she said
She urges students to think beyond Chávez, Huerta, and Itliong Month and consider how they can contribute to social justice movements throughout the year.
"I don't want our students to lose hope that a better future is possible. I know it's so hard sometimes to maintain hope when we see what is happening in the world, but we have to believe that a more socially just world is possible," she said.
