Makibaka! OUSD Celebrates Filipino American History Month

Throughout October, we proudly join the nation in celebrating Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the vibrant culture and rich history of the Filipino American community. This history is deeply woven into the story of California itself.

The first documented arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States was on October 18, 1587, at Morro Bay, California, 33 years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, making them one of the oldest immigrant groups in the nation. The first major wave of Filipino immigrants came in the 1920s and 1930s as U.S. "nationals”–a special legal status that allowed them to enter the U.S. while denying them full citizenship rights like voting–with San Francisco serving as their main port of entry.

Many of these young men from the Ilocos and Visayan regions headed to the agricultural fields, becoming the backbone of the 'manong generation,' while others settled in the city's 'Manilatown.'They organized for labor rights, fought for housing justice at the I-Hotel, and embodied the Filipino American motto "Makibaka! Huwag matakot!" (Struggle! Don't be afraid!), inspiring generations to come.

In our classrooms and community, we bring this history to life by teaching the crucial contributions of Filipino Americans to the farmworker labor movement and honoring leaders like Larry Itliong on October 25. We prioritize vital partnerships with organizations like Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP), Sama Sama Cooperative, and Filipino Advocates for Justice to forge direct connections between our students and their rich cultural heritage.

Cultural Spotlight: "MAKIBAKA! A Living Legacy" at Yerba Buena Art Center

The "MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy" exhibit, presented by SOMA Pilipinas and running until January 2026, celebrates the culture, art, and history of the Filipino community in SoMa. It directly connects to the legacy of the I-Hotel and brings the "Makibaka" (to struggle) spirit to life through contemporary art and archives.

Cultural Spotlight: Michelin-Recognized FOB Kitchen

FOB Kitchen, located in the heart of the Temescal neighborhood, is a popular, queer woman-owned restaurant which earned a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award for serving complex, flavorful Filipino dishes inspired by the islands. It's a fantastic place to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality and cuisine right here in The Town.

Bay Area Filipino American Icons

• Larry Itliong (1913-1977) - Labor Leader and Organizer: Known as "Seven Fingers," Itliong helped found the Alaska Cannery Workers Union and his leadership in the 1965 Delano Grape Strike was instrumental in forming the United Farm Workers. Arrested in Oakland in 1969 during a workers' protest, Itliong has been described as "one of the fathers of the West Coast labor movement."
• Victoria Manalo Draves (1924-2010) - Olympic Champion and Trailblazer: Born in San Francisco, Draves faced intense discrimination yet became the first Asian American Olympic gold medalist. At the 1948 London Olympics, she won gold in both springboard and platform diving, a historic first for any female diver.
• Nikki Fortunato Bas - Oakland and Alameda County Leader: As the daughter of Filipino immigrants, County Supervisor Bas learned the importance of fighting for justice. Before becoming the first Filipino American elected to the Oakland City Council, she organized with low-wage immigrant workers to help raise Oakland's minimum wage. She continues to champion community-centered policies for all of Alameda County.
• Lillian Galedo - Community Organizer and Activist: A legendary Oakland-based community organizer, Galedo served as the Executive Director of Filipino Advocates for Justice. She dedicated decades to fighting for the rights of Filipino immigrants and low-wage workers, shaping policies that supported countless families in the Bay Area.

Recommended Books

We encourage our community to explore the rich literary world of Filipino American authors. All recommended books are available in our digital District Library collection on Sora.

Pan de Sal Saves the Day by Norma Olizon-Chikiamco (Transitional Kinder - 6th Grade)

Corazon Aquino by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara Kinder - 2nd Grade)

Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina Lazo Gilmore (Kinder - 4th Grade)

Mabuhay! by Zachary Sterling (4th - 8th Grade)

Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay (9th - 12th Grade)

Resources for Educators and Families

Our district has developed comprehensive resources that highlight both national Filipino American heritage and Oakland's specific contributions. This toolkit includes lessons on Oakland's Filipino community, the International Hotel struggle, and more.

OUSD Filipino American History Month Toolkit

Let's continue to build a more inclusive and culturally responsive Oakland where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.