Some True Heroes and a Fake One

To our Muslim friends, we wish you all a joyous and meaningful celebration of Eid al-Adha.

Fifty one years ago, on September 8, 1965, the historic Delano Grape Strike began when Filipino farm workers led by Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, Benjamin Gines and Pete Velasco walked out of their jobs to demand fair wages for all. The strike, which lasted five years, led to the founding of the United Farm Workers of America and turned Cesar Chavez, who had been reluctant to join, into a national icon. Not much credit was given to the brave Filipinos who initiated the strike. Our Video of the Week is a documentary that honors them, the "Forgotten Filipino American Heroes," and gives us a history lesson we shouldn't forget.

Taking up the legacy of Filipino labor leaders, first-time contributor Amihan David, writes about Filipino American Luisa Blue, the highest ranking Asian American official of the giant Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Another community icon that shouldn't be forgotten, Bob Santos of Seattle passed away recently, and his friend Peter Jamero writes a loving and informative piece on his fellow "Young Turk" of the bridge generation (children of Filipino immigrants of the early- to mid-1900s). Uncle Bob's role in strengthening the Filipino American community in Seattle is a legacy that must be honored.

From the other side of the pond, the dark legacy of Ferdinand Marcos is getting quite an airing as Filipinos debate the issue of whether he deserves to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Sociologist/columnist Randy David puts context to the debate in "Two Awakenings and a Funeral."

Our publisher, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, likewise weighs in on current events with her random notes on politics and aging.

On a lighter but no less impressive side, two Filipinas -- Jeraldine Mendoza and Christine Rocas -- are heating up Chicago's Joffrey Ballet company. Regular contributor Serina Aidasani profiles the two in "Of Grace and Grit: Two Filipinas Bring Ballet Front and Center on the Global Stage."

And for our Happy Home Cook feature, how about a vegan sans rival? Yes, it's real and Carissa Leventis-Cox shares her recipe for our culinary pleasure.