October 5th: King County Council declares October Filipino American History Month – Filipino history in North America predates the arrival of the first colonists from Great Britain and continues throughout the U.S. The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized that rich tradition and heritage by declaring this October, “and every October thereafter,” Filipino American History Month in King County.
“It is an honor to be the sponsor of this proclamation, since the district I represent has been the historic home of the Filipino community in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. County,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, the sponsor of the recognition. “Most people do not realize that Filipinos have been in the US longer over 400 years or the contributions that Filipino Americans have made through their labor, public service and heroic war time sacrifices while serving their country.”
King County Council Proclaims October FAHM
The first documented proof of Filipino presence in what would become the United States was in 1587 in what is now California, almost a half-century prior to when the colonists arrived in the “new world.”
October 9th: Filipino American activists and artists Chera Amlag and George “Geo” Quibuyen were honored by the Northwest Asian Weekly on Oct 9th with Visionary Awards. They were introduced by Joaquin Uy, Ethnic Media & Communications Specialist of City of Seattle Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs. (Photo by Ador Pereda Yano) http://www.nwasianweekly.com/…/food-and-sh-to-consider-fil…/
Chera Amlag & Geo Quibuyen
James Tabafunda, Northwest Asian Weekly:
“Business owners Chera Amlag and George “Geo” Quibuyen know quite a lot about leadership and activism – universal human connection, in other words. The husband-and-wife team work as volunteer community organizers who are not only interested in social change but also in showing that their ideas can help make that change happen.”
October 10th: FANHS Celebrated with a reception and program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965. In recognition of Filipino Americans and their families, who arrived after the enactment of this important immigration law that transformed and enriched our communities nationwide. https://twitter.com/devincabanilla/status/653053651703828480
Several lifetimes achievement awards were issued to community leaders who have significantly impacted Seattle: current Seattle University President Steven Sundborg, former FCS President Dolly Castillo, and InterIm Community Development Association former Executive Director Bob Santos.
FilAm Fact: After arriving from Europe in October 1900, celebrated author Mark Twain announced himself as an anti-imperialist. Twain was at the forefront of modern Filipino American history as a proponent of democratic rights for Filipinos. In 1901 he became Vice-President of the Anti-Imperialist League and held the position for the remainder of his life. http://goo.gl/YPrSj4
October 2nd: Dorothy Cordova traveled from Seattle to Washington D.C. for the White House’s celebration of Filipino American History Month event. #FAHM #FAHM2015 #FAHMseattle
Mel Orpilla recognized both Dorothy and Fred Cordova. Additionally, President Barack Obama gave a message to them recognizing FAHM. This was the first celebration ever of Filipino American History by the White House. View video link here.
— Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. (@thetanuxi) October 2, 2015
October 3rd daytime: the Filipino American Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project & Puget Sound Marine Corps League: “Alaska Airlines hosted a 50th Commemorative of the Vietnam War event along with the USO and Boeing. Alfie Alvarado, Director – Washington Department of Veteran Affairs, gave a thoughtful keynote speech that received a standing ovation. Among the attendees were Marines and Corpsman from Puget Sound Marine Corps League Detachment 336… All attendees were pinned and issued a Challenge Coin.”
Filipino American Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project
October 3rd evening: FANHS Greater Seattle was in attendance for the “FYA Generations” fundraiser dinner along Lake Union. The Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team is the first, oldest, and longest running Filipino American drill team in the United States. It was cofounded in 1959 by Fred Cordova. We are glad to support the new generations of the FYA and their guidance by Chris and others.
FilAm Fact: Thurgood Marshall’s family is Filipino American. His wife was Cecilia Suyat, and his sons are John & Thurgood Jr. The past week in history also coincides with Thurgood Marshall’s birthday, the beginning of oral arguments on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, and Marshall’s appointment as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
An Open Letter to James Franco About Farm Labor Movement Filming
Dear James Franco,
First, I want to thank you for seeking to film part of In Dubious Battle in Yakima, WA. I saw your extras casting call on my sister’s facebook feed. It was awesome. Secondly, thank you for highlighting the amazing work of John Steinbeck. He is arguably the best 20th century American author I’ve enjoyed. Your own work in film has been something I have enjoyed greatly as well. In lighter fare, I thought This is the End was hilarious with the cameos and camp. More recently, you deserve extra kudos for The Interview and your decision to stand up to the oppressive regime and policies of the DPRK. I want to encourage your continued courage in film and admirable efforts by asking that you please specifically call for Asian American actors as part of your extras casting in Yakima. (You only asked for bearded guy extras.)
The reason I am asking you to highlight and include Asian Americans is because they were integral to the farm work and labor movement of California and America. Steinbeck effectively highlights class warfare, and socialist labor union efforts in his work. Race issues are definitely part of that schema. Chinese, Japanese, and Korean farm workers were part of early California’s population, and at one point they were barred from coming to America by racist laws. Filipinos began migrating to the United States to supplant the farm labor force and were still among the most oppressed. During the 1930’s Filipino Americans in particular began organizing farm labor unions amidst riots. All ethnic groups travelled to wherever agriculture needed harvesting. Asian Americans continued to seek the American Dream in their new homeland and sought to gain acceptance. Even John Steinbeck accepted Asian dilemmas in the United States. He wrote in an integral and intelligent Asian character in the form of Lee for East of Eden. Steinbeck was authentic, ahead of his time, and honored the Asian American population of the era. Like him, please highlight the reality of the era with Asian American cast inclusion.
I did make some effort and reviewed the cast of In Dubious Battle on IMDB for hints of diversity. There were some likely Hispanic actors cast in memorable roles like “Apple Picker” and “Migrant Woman #2”. I did not notice any Asian names in the list. Also, your instagram pictures I found seem to show a mostly white cast on set. Granted your film is probably almost done, and you’re in post-production; this my overall request may seem a bit late. However, I’m not even asking for anything drastic like re-shooting the whole movie. I just want you to have more historically accurate Asian American extras which you can definitely find in the Pacific Northwest. Washington for sure has real good apple trees. We for sure had Japanese American apple pickers in Washington state too, their descendants are here still. Cast them. Additionally, the Yakima area is actually home to one of the largest Filipino communities on the west coast in Wapato. They would be some of the most authentic extras. Some of them are even still farmers! Maybe you want a late Lee character cameo now. Chinese people? They’re here still too.
I wish you the best success and want to constructively guide you, not just criticize. I am just a hobby historian, and maybe a concerned citizen at best, but I can recommend groups who can testify on this history and give you advice on accurate ethnic casting. I recommend the Filipino American National Historical Society (I’m a member), the Japanese American Citizens League (I’m not a member), and the Chinese Citizens Alliance (I like their food). All of them have, or know, legit historians. There is even a new documentary film maker named Marissa Aroy who made a piece on the Filipino Farm Labor Movement you could track down. Maybe it’s best you just go to a university and grab an ethnic studies professor to spruce things up in post-production.
This whole letter may have a Chinaman’s chance to change things, but more personally, I ask you on behalf of the past relatives I’ve had here in the United States who suffered through farming in the 1930’s to include historically accurate Asian American extras. Don’t whitewash your film. Do not oppress or be part of a system that ignores social history. While I’m getting real here, honestly I haven’t even read In Dubious Battle. Even more honestly white farm laborers would have been in separate work camps from other groups; but artists have a choice to express fiction in truer realities. Please, be authentic like Steinbeck by better honoring the ethnic labor and class landscape in the story that you are telling the world. Cast AAPI’s.
Sincerely & Satirically,
Devin Israel Cabanilla, MBA 4th-generation Asian American Migrant Office Worker #3
“There is more beauty in truth, even if it is a dreadful beauty. The storytellers at the city gate twist life so that it looks sweet to the lazy and the stupid and the weak, and this only strengthens their infirmities and teaches nothing, cures nothing, nor does it let the heart soar.”
“Black, Blue & Brown” – A Talk on Race – 02/25/2015 – Greater Seattle FANHS Event
What is the historical connection between Black and Brown peoples?How do we view race in America today? What can change the structural problems we face? Why do Black issues matter to others?
We are bruised and battered by racism together. Black, Police, or Filipino – we seek change.
The #BlackBlueBrown discussion panel grew from Greater Seattle FANHS’ sharing our solidarity to recognize historic activism against racial inequality for events in Ferguson and abroad. We celebrate Black History month and also bring awareness that Filipino Americans are commonly connected in seeking social justice. We seek to talk with our community, engage common institutions, and bring positive change through education. EVENT: February 25th, 5pm – 8pm Seattle University, Bannan Auditorium #102, Science Building. PANELISTS:
Our community panelists and audience members are invited to talk about their perspectives and collaborate on ideas of race and transformative change. Panelists will first discuss their perspectives and continue with open Q&A.Sponsored by the Seattle University United Filipino Club, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Greater Seattle Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Societyhttps://fanhs-seattle.org/@SeattleUFC
———– PANELIST BIOS ———–
Navy Blacks/Filipinos Signage; FANHS National Archives, Seattle
Annie Galarosa
Annie is an educator, lifelong activist, social thinker, and community developer. She developed a strong human rights philosophy and a courage for social justice from when her family came to the USA in 1955. In the Central Area of Seattle she experienced the struggles and accomplishments being a newcomer beyond social hurdles. Since the late 1960’s Annie has galvanized her conscience with influence from: the Civil Rights era, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the Black Panther Party, Paolo Friere, and the Asian, Native, and Latino movements. As a student activist with Seattle Central and UW she has protested for the Labor movement, Vietnam War, the Kingdome, equal housing, and working wage parity; especially in support for people disregarded by society. As a teacher in higher education provided ground level practicum by assisting a myriad of social service & development organizations like: ACRS, Denise Louie Childcare, El Centro de La Raza, the International District Health Clinic, and Day Break Star. Annie continues to share her voice against ignorance to fight institutionalized racism, racial profiling, media sensationalism and neo-nazi type attitudes that threaten the safety and existence of ethnic communities and religious liberty. ———–
Tyrone Brown
Tyrone is a Seattle-based theatre director and producer. Directing credits include Passing Strange, Black Like Us, Hot Grits: A (Punk) Play On Music, Wreck The Airline Barrier, and Hamlet X. He holds a MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University, Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from Western Washington University, and is an alumni of the Drama League Directing Program in New York. He is currently the artistic director of Brownbox Theatre, a company dedicated to the creation, development, and production of re-imagined Black theater. ———–
Ofc. Kevin Stuckey
Officer KevinStuckey been an officer in the Seattle Police Department for 20 years. He is part of the East Precinct community police team, serves on the Police Officers Guild as a board member, and has a seat on the Community Police Commission. In the past he has been a Resource Officer with Seattle Public schools and has continually worked in diverse communities. ———–
Jason Davison
Pastor Jason Davison is the husband of Foxy Williams and father to Judah , Zion and Trinity Davison. Jason and Foxy are long-time residents of Seattle and currently have worked and/or lived in the Central District since 1998. Like Foxy, Jason is former tutor in Central and South Seattle schools, and a former classroom teacher with Seattle Public Schools. Jason taught at Cleveland High School prior to moving with Foxy to St. Louis for seminary from 2005 to 2009. While in St. Louis, the Davisons worked in inner city St. Louis and in the Kinloch-Ferguson municipalities of St. Louis County. Jason and Foxy moved back to Seattle in 2009 and served the “CD” as volunteers and educators with Clean Greens Farm, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E. Center, and the Rotary Boys and Girls Club. Jason and Foxy have two children with Sickle Cell Anemia, and Foxy transformed their family’s pain into action by becoming the Metro Sickle Cell Task Force Coordinator through Children’s Hospital, where she provides support and networking for youth and families affected by the disease. Jason also took on the position of Director, for the Hidmo Community Empowerment Project in the Central District, where he worked with artists, activists, and leaders to have community forums around issues of justice in the Central District. In 2011, Jason and Foxy took over ownership of Cortona Café in the CD and turned the café into a non-profit from 2011 through 2014, where they provided space for community meetings and jobs for youth in the community. For three years Cortona helped provide barista training and food justice training for 15 youth in the community. Cortona is now an LLC and the Davisons co-own the shop with their sister Isolynn who has helped spearhead the construction of a “parklet” for the CD in hopes of creating outdoor recreation and poetry readings along Union street. Finally, Jason and Foxy have helped established Jubilee Community Church in the Central District in 2013, of which Jason is the church planter and pastor. The hope and vision of Jubilee is to be a church in touch with the local community and with issues of reconciliation, care for the homeless and marginalized ———–
Marisa Ordonia
Marisa is a Chinese/Filipina-American attorney and activist, and a fourth-generation Seattleite. She is a Seattle University School of Law graduate. In 2014 she was selected as the Leadership for Justice Fellow. Marisa’s fellowship is at TeamChild, a civil legal aid organization that serves low-income youth in the juvenile justice system. Marisa is also a board member of the Incarcerated Mothers Advocacy Project (IMAP). IMAP is a coalition of lawyers, law students, social service providers, activists and formerly incarcerated women who seek to change the rights afforded to currently and formerly incarcerated parents. IMAP conducts monthly legal clinics in both of Washington’s women’s prisons. Outside of work, Marisa enjoys marching in the street at community-organized activities, and playing guitar in My Parade, an all People of Color dance punk band. ———–
Dajeanne Washington
Dajeanne is a first-year Sullivan Scholar at Seattle University. An alumni of Garfield High School and Seattle Central College, as well as born in Seattle and raised in the Central District by multiracial parents (Filipina, African-American, and Caucasian), she has long been exposed to diverse communities and varying cultures. Since a young age she has been involved in serving her community. First through City Year’s youth Program called Young Heroes then through various organizations including YMCA Black Achievers, Seattle Music Partners, Seattle University’s Just Serve, UNCF, FAEW, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Now, as an active participant in Seattle University’s United Filipino Club, Black Student Union, and Just Serve, Dajeanne continues to stay involved. She is currently majoring in International Studies and Public Affairs, and hopes to minor in Political Science so that she can continue to serve her community. ———–
Devin Israel Cabanilla
Devin is an organizational trainer and FANHS member. As Principal Manager of Idea Threads he offers cultural consulting for business and enterprise organizations. Through research work he seeks to educate and expand diversity by sharing intercultural histories from the Northwest. Devin holds an MBA in Project Management & International Business. He continues graduate studies in International Community Development at Northwest University. He has also presented new findings on the Manong generation from Seattle and the Mur-Muray movement. In 2014 he was honored for new research on the Japanese-American Internment. Devin continues to educate on diversity as a guest speaker in local schools, communities, and mentors Christians of Color. He has three children who are now fifth-generation Seattleites. He supports his kids at Massive Monkees Studio: MiniBreaks. Devin is also a contributing writer to GS-FANHS, Sanctuary Church member, and a past dancer of the Filipinyana Dance Troupe. His favorite dance is La Jota Moncadena. He also speaks conversational Ilocano and basic Japanese.
Please support this FANHS National event — invite family and friends, come and dance, make new friends, reunite with old friends, eat at the Adobo Cafe!
“Puttin’ On The Ritz” Dance Event
Friday, January 2, 2015 Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave, Seattle
Watch on Seattle TV with your friends and family at the following showtimes:
• Thursday, December 11, 2014 9:00 p.m. • Friday, December 12, 2014 8:30 p.m. • Saturday, December 13, 2014 9:00 p.m.
Seattle Channel filmed the October 18 Celebrating Brown Brilliance featuring John Pai’s film on Val Laigo, Bengie Santos’ Bayan Choreography, and Victor Noriega’s Symphony Generations, Directions as premiered by Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers.
For more info on this past event contact Maria Batayola at mjumpstart@msn.com. Sponsored by Pinoy Words Expressed Kultura Arts (PWEKA).
Seattle Channel film of October 3 event (Memories of Washington Hall) will be shown
FANHS - Greater Seattle Chapter 