“Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!” was the rallying cry for a group of immigrant and local-born Filipinos.  In the 1970s, they were threatened with eviction from their homes near St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waipahu.  It was a 30-year struggle as they fought for decent housing and the right to stay together to maintain their fenceless community with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and animals.  After demonstrations and other challenges, the families won the right to purchase their homes.

This video presentation explains how the Ota Camp Struggle impacted the Filipino community in Hawaii.  Q&A session to follow.
Featuring:  Historian, Melinda Tria Kerkvliet (Filipino-American Historical Society of Hawaii), Nora Tagalog (Ota Camp resident), Bernie Suguitan Ledesma and Leon Dagdagan (Kabataan Katipunan, Youth Together), Ernie Libarios (UH Leeward Community College), and Evelyn Mingming Llenas (UH Film Club).

This free program is open to ages 12 and older. Parking is free on Saturdays (all day). Sponsored by the Filipino-American Historical Society of Hawaii. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content or views expressed during the program.

All programs are subject to change. If you require an auxiliary aid or accommodation due to a disability, please contact the library at least 7 days before the program date.