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This documentary is based on Jesus Salas' memoir, *Obreros Unidos: The Roots and Legacy of the Farmworkers Movement*. It explores the historical struggle of Latino migrant farmworkers during the 1960s, who came from the Texas-Mexico border seeking better conditions, similar to escaping South African apartheid. Each year, around 100,000 workers and their families traveled to work in agricultural fields. Although Wisconsin had some of the most progressive labor laws, these were not effectively enforced for the migrant workers. As a result, they united in a movement that challenged employers who denied them their rights.

During this struggle, migrant families lacked access to health services and housing, and their children faced significant barriers to education. At one point, only 15 Latino students were enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Today, that number has grown to 3,000. The legacy of this movement includes the creation of new social service organizations. For instance, United Migrant Opportunity Service (UMOS), one of the largest Latino organizations, now generates $100 million in revenue. Additionally, the Mexican Fiesta and its foundation were established to provide scholarships for Latino students.

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TEASER

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In an expansive narrative, noted labor leader Jesus Salas shares an insider's look at the farm workers movement, from its roots in southern political uprisings to its lasting legacy of activism. During his childhood, Salas and his family joined the migrant workers who traveled from their hometown in Texas to work on farms in Wisconsin, Illinois, and other states. In riveting detail, he describes the brutal working conditions and overcrowded labor camps experienced by the Mexican American workers who fueled the Midwest's agriculture industry.

Full Documentary-English

Documental Completo-Bilingüe

Screening Images

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I Remember | Jesus Salas - Season 9 Episode 10

Host Jim Peck interviews author Jesus Salas.

Mexican Fiesta - Antonio Guajardo

Mexican Fiesta began in 1973 with the purpose of celebrating Mother's Day and Mexico's independence. Five decades later Fiesta is a tribute to values ​​and vitality of the Hispanic community of Milwaukee. Dr. Antonio Guajardo presents us his book Mexican Fiesta Milwaukee. Building Community through a celebration of culture.

I Remember - Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta, co-founder, United Farm Workers Union, talks with host Jim Peck. 

Huerta began the United Farm Workers [UFW] Union, along with Cesar Chavez; and she has a lifelong record as an organizer and activist in the Latino community. She has served on the University of California Board of Regents; and she has established the Dolores Huerta Foundation for the purpose of training community organizers/activists.

Adelante | Program | Season 5 Episode 1

Host Patricia Gomez meets with Mark Rodríguez and David Giffey. Who were presenting on the topic of establishment and fall of rural workers unions and the struggle for justice.

UMOS Farm and Food Workers Relief

More than 38 thousand people have received the sum of $600 dollars through an economic aid program distributed by the United Migrant Opportunity Service, UMOS, in more than 13 states in the country. Under a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, more than $56 million has been awarded to UMOS to help farmworkers and meatpackers with direct payments related to COVID-19.
 

A Production of Milwaukee PBS

Producer: Patricia GomezAssociate Producer: Salvador Gomez
Editor: Yvonne SanchezVideographer: Erica Drehfal and Jason Piekarz
Audio Engineer: Grant MartinSenior Audio Engineer: Karl Landwehr
Photojournalist: David GiffeyOnline Support: Carole Burns
 
Photo Archives provided by Obreros Unidos and Jesus Salas 
Video Files provided by WTMJ
All materials are housed in the Wisconsin Historical Society and the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Library Collection.