Filipino-American history month was first declared in 1988 by the Filipino American National Historical Society. Filipino-Americans have a rich history in this country, but it’s often overlooked. As a proud Filipino-American myself, I know there’s much about my culture and heritage that I have yet to learn.
So, here are a few facts about Filipino-Americans and our history that you might not know:
1. Filipino-Americans are the second largest Asian-American group in the US
In Virginia, we are the second largest Asian-American group, and the largest in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, Wyoming and South Dakota.
2. We were the first Asian-American group to reach the US
Known as “Manila Men,” the first Filipinos to arrive to the US fled a Spanish trade ship, and permanently settled in Louisiana during the 16th century.
3. Filipino-Americans were part of the Civil Rights Movement in California
Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School in Union City, California was named after Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz–both of whom were part of the Delano Grape Strike which began in 1965. Itliong was described as “one of the fathers of the West Coast labor movement” by the New York Times in 1994, while Vera Cruz was a co-founder of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee.
Related: 5 Things Every Filipino Can Relate To
4. Tagalog is the fourth most spoken language in the US
This is according to the US Census Bureau in 2011.
5. There is one Filipino-American in Congress
Bobby Scott represents Virginia’s Third Congressional District. He is in his thirteenth term in the House of Representatives, and prior he served in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Whether you’re Filipino-American or not, we hope you’ll learn something new about our vibrant community this October. The Filipino American National Historical Society is a great resource for all things Fil-Am; they’ve declared that this year’s theme is “Turning Points.”
George Mason’s Filipino Cultural Association will also be hosting several events that can help get you involved this month. Here are a couple of dates to mark on your calendar: “Immigration Monologues: Liberation not Seperation” on October 6th, “Soundtrip” (a benefit concert where proceeds will be donated to the PUSO Foundation) on October 19th, “Freedom and Learning Forum with Anthony Vargas” on October 20th and the “Barrio Fiesta” on October 29th.
Happy Filipino-American History Month, collegiettes!