This past Filipino American History Month (FAHM) was extremely eventful, fun and action-packed for our organization. From supporting community events, participating in festivals, and hosting workshops and dialogues, we aimed to increase the awareness of FAHM to our youth, families and seniors throughout the San Jose/South Bay.
To see what we were up to the whole month of October, feel free to scroll down, read our short blurbs, and check out our photos!
Gender Justice Workshop — Thursday, October 19, 2017
10/19/2017: “Gender Justice in Pilipinx Communities” at SJSU.
In light of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) and in an effort to bring conversations of gender parity, access and visibility, across all communities, under the leadership of one of our Advisors, Tony Santa Ana, we set out to partner with other like-minded Filipino/a community-based and student organizations to host a transformative and substantive dialogue on ways to build alliances across Pinays, Pinoys and gender-nonconforming in our broader Pilipinx community.
In a partnership with FANHS-Santa Clara Valley, Akbayan San Jose State, Alpha Kappa Omega and Alpha Kappa Omicron, we successfully hosted a workshop titled, “Gender Justice in Pilipinx Communities” last Thursday, October 19th, at San Jose State University. We had over 60 students in attendance.
City of San Jose Commendation Presentation — Tuesday, October 24, 2017
10/24/2017: Members of LEAD Filipino & FANHS pose with the FAHM CSJ Commendation.
On Tuesday, October 24th, LEAD Filipino was proud to join FANHS Santa Clara Valley with San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco, Councilman Sergio Jimenez and the Council in the special presentation of a Commendation, recognizing Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in the City of San Jose.
Most especially, our intern, Eleaine Reyes assisted in the drafting of the Commendation language. In the months leading up to the presentation, Eleaine liaised with the City of San Jose on the composing the various facts, histories and stories that were displayed on the Commendation.
To live in a City that promotes and celebrates the importance of ethnic communities, goes without saying, the experience was both humbling and gratifying for our organization and community partners.
Filipino Googler Network’s “3rd Annual Career Day” — Thursday, October 26, 2017
10/26/2017: Fil Am youth pose with the LEAD Filipino & FGN Organizing Teams for the 3rd Annual Career Day.
As an organization rooted in involving more Pin@ys in public service and civic leadership, LEAD Filipino recognizes the power of building community through partnerships and positive action. One of our growing partnerships is with the Filipino Googler Nework (at Google). Since early-September, Chelsey Cartwright on our team has served as our organization’s conduit with the development, planning and execution of the FGN’s, “3rd Annual Career Day.”
On Thursday, October 28th, under both Chelsey and FGN’s leadership, Google’s Moffett Place Campus in Sunnyvale welcomed ~100 Fil Am youth from high schools across the Bay Area, including Jefferson, Milpitas, Overfelt and Newark Memorial high schools.
The students participated in a Campus tour, heard from Filipin@ Googlers on various career panels and engaged in discussions around careers and trends in technology.
Silicon Valley doesn’t need to divide two worlds. With the help, belief and commitment from community organizations and individuals striving for greater impact, we believe in the power of creating continuing opportunities that expose and bring visibility to our communities in the face of today’s growing tech/innovation economy.
“The Fall of the I-Hotel” Community Film Screening — Friday, October 27, 2017
10/27/2017: The crew at our “Fall of the I-Hotel” Community Film Screening!
An adage as old as time immemorial: “History repeats itself.” LEAD Filipino is run by a group of dynamic and community-oriented volunteers, ranging from young professionals, college and high school students and families. Aside from holding commonality in our shared ancestries, we also live and thrive in the San Jose/South Bay Area — and we care about the future of our community and its neighborhoods. To honor Filipino American History Month (FAHM) while also bringing relevance to current events impacting our locale, we hosted a free film screening of, “The Fall of the I-Hotel” this past Friday, October 27th, at Tully Branch Library.
Most folks that have taken either an Asian American Studies/Filipino Ethnic Studies college course have seen this staple, and for those who had seen it, with those that hadn’t, we felt that this convening was a great reminder of our Filipino American narratives in the realities of urban renewal, housing affordability and gentrification of our neighborhoods.
Following the screening, our attendees heard from Christian Ollano, a Community Organizer with PACT, on the current issues surrounding the San Jose/South Bay Area around housing and renters’ rights/protections.
The dialogue covered current events, taking action through coalitions and furthermore, how we could continue to mobilize the Filipino community.
“Know Your Rights” Training — Saturday, October 28, 2017
10/28/2017: LEAD Filipino, PAWIS, Anakbayan, IMA and PACT pose for a group shot.
To close out Filipino American History Month (FAHM), we (LEAD Filipino) partnered up with IMA, PAWIS, Anakbayan Silicon Valley and PACT to host a “Know Your Rights” training, open to members of the community, centered on educating folks of their basic rights in light of ICE seizures, raids and deportations.
Our training was hosted on Saturday, October 28th, and featured presentations from respected Immigration/Labor attorney-activists, Ruth Silver-Taube and Richard Hobbs. Both Ruth and Richard have been practicing in the areas of Immigration/Labor law for nearly three decades.
Much of the discourse and breakout sessions focused on the Filipino American experience — what do our workers face? What are the threats and issues unique to Filipino domestic caregivers and those working in labor-intensive fields without adequate protections, let alone awareness of the free resources available to them?
10/28/2017: A group shot during our KYR Training!
The work doesn’t stop when one case is won. Building, protecting and uplifting the community is an unending commitment that needs loyalty beyond any means of recognition or praise. LEAD Filipino looks forward to working in coalition with groups like PAWIS, IMA and Anakbayan Silicon Valley to provide safe spaces, educational workshops and resources for workers in our communities.
LEAD Filipino
We are a nonprofit that organizes for FilAm civic participation, grassroots leadership and direct community action out of San Jose, California.
