While we often write about notable people, we rarely talk about their families, much less talk about them from the viewpoint of their families. That is one reason that I found a particular StoryCorps story so interesting. We hear about Larry Itliong from the viewpoint of his son Johnny, who was remembers when Larry Itliong did notable labor work.
In many ways we are lucky to have this viewpoint. The fact that Larry Itliong had children was more an exception than the rule. Immigration and anti-miscegenation laws in the US during the majority of the 20th century tremendously diminished the chances of Filipino Farm workers of having families. Johnny’s voice cracks when he recalls the farm workers who died alone and unaccompanied by family members.
StoryCorps is a great resource for recording and preserving oral histories. I have recorded my parents’ stories, and I encourage people to do the same.
