FlOSSI READY TO TALK IMMIGRATION AND TRADE
Ernesto Galarza (August 15, 1905 – June 22, 1984) was a Mexican-American labor organizer, activist, professor, poet, writer, and storyteller.
Early Life and Education: Born in Jalcocotán, Nayarit, Mexico, Galarza immigrated to the United States with his family during the Mexican Revolution. They settled in Sacramento, California, where he worked as a farm laborer while pursuing his education.
“Handle every situation like a dog. If you can’t eat it or play with it, just pee on it and walk away.” - Unknown
He earned a scholarship to Occidental College in Los Angeles, demonstrating academic excellence. He graduated in 1929. He furthered his studies with a master's degree in history from Stanford University and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1944.
Career and Activism: Galarza's career was marked by his dedication to labor rights and education:
“If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater suggest that he wear a tail.” – Fran Lebowitz
Labor Organizing: In the late 1940s, he became a key figure in organizing farmworkers in California. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the farm labor movement, which later saw the emergence of the United Farm Workers Union.
Bracero Program Critique: Galarza was a vocal critic of the Bracero Program, which allowed Mexican laborers to work temporarily in the U.S. Through his publications, notably "Strangers in Our Fields" (1956) and "Merchants of Labor" (1964), he highlighted the system's exploitation. His efforts contributed to the program's termination in 1964.
Education and Writing: Beyond labor activism, Galarza was a prolific writer and educator. His autobiography, "Barrio Boy" (1971), recounts his journey from a small Mexican village to life in the United States, offering insights into the immigrant experience.
“If you want the best seat in the house, you’ll have to move the dog.” - Unknown
"What I like most about people is their dogs." - Unknown
Juan Ramón García is a distinguished historian and educator recognized for his extensive research on Mexican American history and U.S. immigration policies.
Born on July 27, 1947, in Sebastian, Texas, he pursued higher education focusing on U.S. history and Mexican American studies. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1977, specializing in these fields.
Throughout his academic career, García has held significant positions, including serving as a professor at the University of Arizona. His scholarly contributions encompass several notable publications:
"Operation Wetback: The Mass Deportation of Mexican Undocumented Workers in 1954" (1980): This seminal work examines the U.S. government's large-scale deportation initiative in 1954, providing a comprehensive analysis of its implications on Mexican American communities.
"Mexicans in the Midwest, 1900–1932" (1996): In this book, García explores the experiences of Mexican immigrants in the Midwestern United States during the early 20th century, shedding light on their social and economic challenges.
"Encounters: Change, Progress, and Traditions in American History, Volume 1" reflects García's broader interest in American history. It focuses on the dynamic interplay of change and tradition.
