Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes: The Legacy of Filipino American Labor Activism

by Ron Chew

Overview

Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes examines the lives of two slain cannery union reformers during the tumultuous Civil Rights Era of the 1970s. Author Ron Chew was a close friend of Gene and Silme, and his poignant prologue sets the stage for the story of their political awakening, the events that led to their tragic deaths, and the movement they nurtured. Through memories of family and friends, we learn about the men as second-generation Filipino Americans, as leaders, and as part of a generation striving to make America live up to its democratic ideals.

The book includes a history of Asian labor in the Alaska salmon-canneries written by Gene Viernes. He intended to publish this work to illuminate the contributions of cannery workers and the noble fight to create a union.

Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes provides rich insight into the roots of Asian American labor organizing and offers inspiration and wisdom for a new wave of activists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780295991900
Publisher:	Alaskero Foundation
Publication date:	02/07/2012
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	125
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Ron Chew is a writer and community organizer who has fought for social justice and more inclusive historical understanding. He is former editor of the International Examiner and former executive director of the Wing Luke Museum. He now works as director of the International Community Health Services Foundation. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Part 1 The Era

One Generations Time: Thirty Years after the Domingo-Viernes Murders 2

Settlement of the Class Action Discrimination Lawsuits 18

The Murder Trials and the Search for Truth 36

Part 2 Reflections

Interviews with Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Domingo and Viernes

Abraham "Rami"Arditi 56

Emma Catague 58

David Delia 60

Kalayaan Domingo 63

Ligaya Domingo 65

Lynn Domingo 67

Angel Doniego 69

Dick Farinas 71

John Foz 74

Rich Gurtiza 77

John Hatten 80

Julia Laranang 83

Terri Mast 86

Chris Mensalvas, Jr. 89

Bruce Occena 92

Andy Pascua 95

Alonzo Suson 99

Emily Van Bronkhorst 101

VelmaVeloria ? 104

Conan Viernes 106

Stan Viernes 107

Steve Viernes 110

Michael Woo 112

Part 3 The Past

Afterword Ron Chew 119

Alaskeros History Gene Viernes 120

References 146

Special Credits 150

Editorial Reviews

"The book documents the astonishing level of discrimination practices in Alaska canneries into the 1980s. . . . this is a rich beginning."

Real Change - Mike Wold

"Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes is a must read for Asian American and Labor Studies. Buy it, read it and recommend it to others."

International Examiner - Alonzo Soson

"Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes is a must read for Asian American and Labor Studies. Buy it, read it and recommend it to others."—Alonzo Soson, International Examiner, August 2012

"The book documents the astonishing level of discrimination practices in Alaska canneries into the 1980s. . . . this is a rich beginning."—Mike Wold, Real Change, August 2012

From the Publisher