Forty Acres blessing and march to Sacramento anniversary

César Chávez, Beto Reyes, Felix Zapata and marchers standing on a dirt field at a UFWOC event for the dedication of Forty Acres, Delano, 1967. Photo by John Kouns.

On Easter Sunday, March 26, the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) celebrated the first anniversary of their march to Sacramento. The event started with a food caravan replenishing the strike store, followed by speeches from Larry Itliong and LeRoy Chatfield at Filipino Hall. After a lunch, attended by 700 guests, around 1000 people gathered outside the hall to embark on a symbolic march to Forty Acres, the newly acquired property by the National Farm Worker Service Center (NFWSC).

José Raúl “Rico” Barrera (guitar) and Jesús Marín “Marín” Barrera (accordion) play music while march with other members of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC). They are in front of Filipino Hall and are headed to Forty Acres. Delano, California, March 26, 1967. Photo by John Kouns.

After a 3-mile walk, marchers reached the construction site scheduled to commence in July. César Chávez delivered a speech from a stage, followed by Reverend Chris Hartmire, director of the Migrant Ministry, and Sigmund Ariwitz, head of the Los Angeles Central Labor Council, who presented a $450 check to the union. On the same day, Paul Schrade, regional director of the UAW, pledged an $8,000 donation for the construction of the coop gas station, which would later open in 1968.

Marchers standing on a dirt field at a UFWOC event for the dedication of Forty Acres, Delano, 1967

Members of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) stand at Forty Acres. They carry the American flag and signs that read, “Schenley Ranch,” “Lamont Arvin DiGiorgio Farms.” Delano, California, March 26, 1967. Photo by John Kouns.

Larry Itliong and a priest speaking to a crowd of marchers at a UFWOC event for the dedication of Forty Acres, Delano, 1967

A priest blesses the Forty Acres site. Larry Itliong stands to his right. Delano, California, March 26, 1967. Photo by John Kouns.

Marchers walking to a UFWOC event for the dedication of Forty Acres, Delano, 1967

Members of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) march from Filipino Hall to Forty Acres. A man carrying a child holds a sign reading “Gilroy, United Farm Workers AFL-CIO Viva la Causa. Huelga”. Delano, California, March 26, 1967. Photo by John Kouns.

Children walk on Forty Acres while members of United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) carrying a Thunderbird flag approach in the background, Delano, 1967

Children walk on Forty Acres while members of United Farm Workers Organizing Committee (UFWOC) carrying a Thunderbird flag approach in the background. Roberto Bustos is visible wearing a Thunderbird shirt. Delano, California, March 26, 1967. Photo by John Kouns.

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