The Larry Itliong Way Project
Our Mission is to uplift Filipino American history and Larry Itliong's contributions to the Labor and Civil Rights Movements through the permanence of renaming a portion of Downtown San José "Larry Itliong Way."
Honoring Larry Itliong: A Call for Recognition in Downtown San José
Larry Itliong was a Filipino-American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the American Labor Movement. As the catalyst of the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, Itliong fought tirelessly alongside Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chávez for better working conditions and fair wages for all farmworkers. Despite his groundbreaking contributions, his story remains largely forgotten, absent from textbooks and unacknowledged in the places where history is made visible. It’s time to change that.
It is our vision to memorialize his legacy by renaming a prominent street or path to Larry Itliong Way in downtown San José. Doing so will elevate awareness of the impact of Filipino Americans in U.S history, further honoring the Labor Movement and reminding future generations that the fight for justice was never won alone.
Together, we can make Larry Itliong Way a permanent part of San José’s story.
With gratitude and hope,
The Larry Itliong Way Project Committee
Project Overview:
The Larry Itliong Way Project is a group of community members leading an effort to rename a portion of Downtown San José to "Larry Itliong Way." This project corrects the historical omission of Filipino-American contributions to the American Labor Movement by honoring Larry Itliong, whose pivotal role is often overlooked. Renaming this pathway strengthens the cultural identity of our community, creating a lasting educational resource that highlights the diverse histories and struggles shaping our society today. Additionally, the project symbolically connects Larry Itliong with Cesar Chavez, reinforcing the importance of unity and collaboration in social justice movements. Through this effort, we seek to foster pride, cultural awareness, and a deeper sense of belonging for current and future generations.
Why Rename Paseo de San Antonio?
To correct the historical omission of Filipino-American labor and civil rights contributions.
To specifically recognize Larry Itliong’s pivotal yet overlooked leadership role.
To symbolically connect Larry Itliong and Cesar Chavez by linking Plaza de Cesar Chavez and Paseo de Cesar Chavez.
To strengthen the relationship between San José State University and downtown San José by creating a vibrant and inclusive community landmark.
To support SJSU’s Campus Master Plan goals by enhancing the university’s cultural presence and creating an encompassing sense of place that celebrates diverse histories.
To foster educational opportunities that encourage engagement, reflection, and dialogue around social justice and historical contributions.