Day 222: Agbayani Village, Delano, California
📌APIA Every Day (222) - The story of Agbayani Village begins in 1974 in California's farm country, just outside the town of Delano. This housing complex was built specifically to house retired Filipino farm workers and was named after Paolo Agbayani, a farm worker who died while protesting for better working conditions in 1967. When it first opened, the village became home to 58 residents - mostly men who had spent their lives working in California's fields and vineyards. The village was built during an important time in farm worker history. In 1965, Filipino grape pickers in Delano had launched a major strike for better pay and working conditions. Led by Larry Itliong, these workers were soon joined by Latino farm workers under Cesar Chavez's leadership. This partnership led to the creation of the United Farm Workers union, marking the first time different ethnic groups had successfully united to fight for farm workers' rights in America.
The village filled a crucial need in the Filipino farm worker community. Many of these workers had come to America in the 1920s and 1930s but were prevented from marrying or starting families due to discriminatory laws at the time. As they aged, they had no family members to help care for them. Agbayani Village provided these elderly workers with affordable housing and a supportive community of people who shared their background and experiences. Today, Agbayani Village stands as an important historical site, recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2011. It continues to serve as both a home for residents and a place where people can learn about Filipino Americans' contributions to U.S. farming history. The village celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2024, with special events planned during Delano's annual Philippine Weekend celebration - a community gathering that honors Filipino American culture and history in the region.
LEARN MORE:
Cesar Chavez Foundation: Agbayani Village: A Legacy of Unity and Courage in Delano
National Park Service: Agbayani Village
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