We’re closing Filipino American History Month by honoring the legacy of our organizing! Despite living oceans away from our motherland, Filipino Americans are deeply connected to our roots both culturally and politically. Our rich legacy of organizing is one of the reasons why.
From the Indigenous revolts waged against Spanish colonizers to the ongoing struggle against U.S. imperialism and the recent anti-corruption protests, the Filipino people have never stopped fighting for justice and liberation.
Filipinos have 500 years of resistance movements to learn from and build off, and Filipino Americans are no exception. We’ve learned from the organized strength of our kababayan (compatriots) in the motherland. And we carry forth the theory, principles, and practices to build strong Filipino communities here in the States.
Now as rising authoritarianism and violent ICE raids threaten the safety of our people, Filipino organizations have taken up the call to protect our communities. Here’s a quick snippet of our organizing happening now:
- The Mission to End Modern Slavery in New York offers legal support to exploited Filipino migrant and trafficked workers in the city. The organization empowers impacted workers to wage campaigns against abusive employers and raise the consciousness of their fellow workers.
- Anakbayan Houston is organizing to free Yaakub from ICE detention after he was targeted for his pro-Palestine advocacy—a blatant violation of his first amendment rights.
- And Tanggol Migrante (Defend Migrants) is bringing together Filipino immigrants across the U.S. to demand the Filipino government defend its citizens from the abuses of detention and deportation.
Across the States and beyond, we continue to protect each other from fascist state violence and neglect.
But this organizing didn’t happen spontaneously. Our ancestors have built up the organizing infrastructure for decades. Whether it was the Seattle Cannery Worker’s Union in the 30’s, the Delano Grape Strike in the 60’s, or the FilAm anti-dictatorship movement in the 80’s, our organizing history is our strength.
Where there are Filipinos, there is Filipino organizing. Organizations, mutual aid groups, labor unions, and community spaces enable us to support one another. If there isn’t already one in your area, it’s never too late to form one!
This Filipino American History Month, channel the spirit of our Filipino & Filipino American ancestors like Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang, Silme Domingo, and Gene Viernes. Organize your community! Fight for each other! And contribute to our people’s long legacy of resistance!
In solidarity,
Sunee, Leyen, Sonia, Turner, Van, Sharmin, Allison, and Irma – the 18MR Team
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed reading our monthly newsletter, would you chip in $5 so we can keep inviting rad guest editors?
