Activismo | Activism / 12/15/2023

Mapping Change, from Delano to Sacramento

On March 17, 1966, photographer John Kouns joined the farmworker pilgrimage from Delano to Sacramento, California, alongside 67 marchers who wanted to increase awareness of the grape strike led by the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) and its fight for recognition as a union. Their goal was to raise awareness about the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) grape strike, and its struggle for union recognition. The 280-mile journey, known as Pilgrimage, garnered support from hundreds and crossed 50 towns. Despite a permit dispute at the start in Delano, the march continued, guided by a farmworker carrying Our Lady of Guadalupe’s banner. Luis Valdez proclaimed the Plan de Delano at nightly rallies, and Teatro Campesino performed. After walking non stop for twenty five days, the marchers reached Sacramento on Easter Day, April 10, 1966, achieving historic outcomes for farmworkers and Governor Pat Brown’s refusal to meet them didn’t diminish their impact. By April 3rd, before ending the march, César Chávez and Rev. Chris Hartmire had already signed a recognition agreement with Schenley Industries, the largest grower in Delano, initiating collective bargaining. The subsequent Schenley contract, negotiated by Dolores Huerta and signed on June 21, 1966, marked California’s first union contract in farm labor history, addressing union representation and wages. During the march, on April 7th, the DiGiorgio Corporation also started negotiating with the NFWA. The developments were crucial in a state where the $3.7 billion agricultural industry employed 500,000 workers, with seasonal farm workers earning an average of $2,500.



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