For an 80-year-old black man, who grew up in California witnessing the grape strike with Cesar Chavez, I've asked myself what that means and how that experience affected my state of mind today as I work to make a difference for older adults.
As an 80-year-old Black man today who has lived through the Delano Grape Strike alongside Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King’s Civil Rights movement, ?this experience holds a profound meaning and has helped to shape my current advocacy for older adults in several ways:
1. Deep Understanding of Social Justice:
- Witnessing the struggle of farmworkers, many of whom were Mexican-American and Filipino,? has instilled a deep understanding of social injustice and the fight for equality.
- I witnessed firsthand the power of collective action and the importance of solidarity in achieving social change.
- This experience has fueled my passion for advocating for the rights of older adults, who often face discrimination and marginalization.
2. Resilience and Perseverance:
- The Delano Grape Strike was a long and arduous struggle, requiring immense resilience and perseverance from those involved.
- I have learned the importance of patience, persistence, and unwavering commitment in the face of adversity.
- My resilience has served me well in my advocacy work, as he navigate the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise in fighting for social change.
3. Appreciation for Diversity and Inclusion:
- The Delano Grape Strike brought together people from diverse backgrounds – Filipinos, Mexican Americans, and African Americans all united in a common cause.
- This experience fostered an appreciation for diversity and the power of inclusivity in building strong movements for social justice, as is the case of Living and Aging with Pride.
- I learned to prioritize building coalitions and working with diverse groups to advocate for the rights of all older adults, all people
4. Belief in Nonviolent Resistance:
- Cesar Chavez championed nonviolent resistance, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr, my inspiration.
- This commitment to peaceful protest helped shape my approach to advocacy, emphasizing dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful demonstrations to achieve goals.
5. Commitment to Community Empowerment:
- The Delano Grape Strike was not just about securing better wages and working conditions; it was about empowering farmworkers and giving them a voice in their own lives.
- This emphasis on community empowerment inspired me to advocate for policies and programs that will give older adults more control over their lives and enable them to age with pride, dignity, and independence.
How this Experience Affects my State of Mind:
- Sense of Purpose: I have had many experiences since and many years later the Delano Grape Strike and the civil rights movement, that I experienced gave me a strong sense of purpose and a belief in my ability to make a difference, granted there are many other factors..
- Empathy and Compassion: I have had many experiences and acquired a deep empathy for the struggles of marginalized groups, including older adults, I now have a strong compassion for those facing injustice and hate.
- Determination and Hope: Despite the challenges I’ve witnessed, I have maintained a sense of determination and hope for a better future, which?has helped to inspire me to continue my advocacy.
This 80-year-old Black man who experienced and witnessed the Grape Strike has helped to profoundly shape my worldview approach to advocacy. It has instilled in me a deep commitment to social justice, resilience in the face of adversity, and a belief in the power of collective action. These qualities have served me well as I work to make a difference for older adults and create a more just and equitable society for all.? There is no conclusion, we have just begun.