Farmworker Justice is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmworkers to improve their living and working conditions, immigration status, health, occupational safety, and access to justice. Farmworker Justice’s Los Angeles Awards provide an opportunity to bring together supporters and contributors from the business, legal, government, and nonprofit communities to report and highlight its important work. They also serve to recognize individuals, businesses and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each and every day in America. For more information visit the Farmworker Justice website at www.farmworkerjustice.org and follow #FarmworkerJustice.

This year’s honorees are:

DeVon Franklin, (Flamin’ Hot) award-winning producer, New York Times bestselling author and renowned motivational speaker, recipient of the Social Justice in the Arts Award for his commitment to diversity in film, securing and producing a major motion picture with a majority of Latinos in front and behind the camera. Flamin’ Hot highlights the life of a child farmworker who made it to the upper echelons of corporate America through innovation and marketing. Actor Emilio Rivera (Mayans M.C., Flamin’ Hot) will present the award.

Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW), recipient of the Dolores Huerta Award for her decades-long activism, dedication and commitment to farmworker rights and living conditions.

Enrique Castillo, (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out) actor, writer, producer, activist, and former child farmworker from Calexico, is the recipient of the Farmworker Justice Award for his social justice activism, beginning with his work with El Teatro Campesino, Zoot Suit, and his play Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor about Latinos in the military, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who fought for America’s defense, and his activism thru film.

Shura Wallin, border activist and co-founder of humanitarian group Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritan, recipient of the Shelley Davis Humanitarian Award, for her unparalleled dedication as a leader in the fight to secure border relief to immigrants in peril and reconnecting families of those who have perished from the harsh conditions crossing the border. Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt will present the award via video.

Farmworker Justice CEO Ron Estrada will provide keynote remarks on the state of farmworkers and proposed solutions to the numerous challenges they face as well as the work of Farmworker Justice and its allies across the nation to fulfill its mission.

“I am delighted to start my tenure at Farmworker Justice by honoring these four individuals who continue to fight for justice for America’s farmworkers,” says Ron Estrada. “Through their work, they remind us all of the important role that our trabajadores agrícolas play, picking the fruits and vegetables that American families consume every day. Farmworkers are too often invisible to the general public, yet they are the frontline heroes that feed America. This event is about farmworkers, their families, and all who have worked in the fields so the rest of us can eat.”

Iconic Hollywood actor and activist Pepe Serna (With Love, Flamin’ Hot) will deliver the keynote presentation.

This year’s Presenting Sponsor is PepsiCo.

Click to buy tickets. NOTE: Proof of COVID vaccination will be required to attend the event.

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The Farmworker Justice Awards – Los Angeles is celebrating 40 years of serving the needs of U.S. farmworkers as they kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Hollywood celebrities and Latino community leaders will attend as the organization recognizes turn out to recognizing leaders of the Latino community for their social impact. The honorees include Eva Longoria, award-winning actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, activist, and advocate for the rights of farmworkers; John Echeveste, CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes; Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); and Bel Hernandez, CEO of Latin Heat Media and Chair of the Farmworker Justice Advisory Council, Tuesday, September 14 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles.

This event, presented by Pepsico, is becoming one of the most important charity events in Los Angeles this year. The Farmworker Justice awards hosted by  Jordi Vilasuso (The Young and the Restless) provide an opportunity to bring together supporters and contributors from the business, legal, government, and nonprofit communities to report and highlight Farmworker Justice’s important work. It also serves to recognize individuals, businesses and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each and every day in America.

Confirmed celebrities and VIPs include several members of the cast of Eva Longoria’s directorial feature film debut Flamin’ Hot, the rags to riches story of Richard Montañez who is credited with having helped invented the Flaimin’ Hot Cheetos snack. The two leads of the film, Annie Gonzalez plays the lead role of Judy Montañez and Jesse Garcia who plays the lead character of Richard Montañez will be in attendance. Additional Flamin’ Hot cast members include Pepe Serna (With Love, Scarface), Eric Marq (Flamin’ Hot) and Fabian Alomar (Mayans M.C.). 

Dolores Huerta, civil rights icon co-founder of the United Farm Workers and President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation will set the stage with her keynote remarks. Actress/psychotherapist Julie Carmen will do the introduction.

Joining in the celebration will be guitar virtuoso and pop culture icon, Charo; actress Alma Martinez (Gentefied);  Edy Ganem (Devious Maids); actor/director Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In, Blood Out); Laura Patalano (Gentefied); Yareli Arizmendi (A Day Without a Mexican); Karina Noelle Castillo (The Good Doctor);  Joseph Raymond Lucero (Mayans M.C.); Dan Guerrero (¡Gaytino!);  director/musician Sergio Arau (A Day Without a Mexican); Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (Hadestown); Alfonso Illan (The Forever Purge); Angel Garet (The First Wives Club). Josefina Lopez (Real Women Have Curves); actor/director Mauricio Mendoza (True Form Films); JM Longoria (Miracles from Heaven, Bibi); Carlos Carrasco (Blood In, Blood Out); Hector Atreyu Ruiz (Las Carpas); singer Catie Waters, rapper Melo Menace; recording artist Leyo Mendez; former NFL Placekicker Tony Zendejas;  José Luis Valenzuela (Director, LATC); former NFL kicker Frank Corral; Evelina Fernandez (Actress, Screenwriter); Marabina Jaimes (Emmy Award-winning host/actress); and Naibe Reynoso, Co-Founder Latinafest, LA CO. Channel news anchor, founder Con Todo Press.

Expected to attend: Jacob Vargas (Mr. Iglesias), Emilio Rivera (Mayans M.C.); and many more.

NOTE:  COVID-19 Guidelines will be in effect. All attendees, volunteers and staff will be required to show proof of vaccination before entering the event. A negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours before the event will also be accepted.

Bruce Goldstein, Farmworker Justice President, of the national advocacy organization for farmworkers will give the opening remarks. The organization, which was founded in 1981 collaborates with organizations throughout the country to empower farmworkers to improve their wages, working conditions, occupational safety, health immigration status and access to justice.

Paintings by Master Chicano Artist Yolanda Gonzalez on sale to benefit Farmworker Justice.

There will be an auction that will be conducted by the inimitable Charo joins Farmworker Justice Director of Development, David Damian Figueroa.

The event is designed by Ricardo Soltero, scenery director and stage set designer for the annual Hollywood Forever Día de los Muertos celebration.

SOCIALS: Instagram: @Farmworkerjustice; FB: @Farmworkerjustice;

TW: @FarmwrkrJustice.

Hashtags: #handsthatfeedus; #fairwages; #farmworkerjustice #farmworkerjusticeawards #40thanniversary

For more information visit the Farmworker Justice website at www.farmworkerjustice.org and follow #HandsThatFeedUs.

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The event of the summer not to miss is the upcoming Farmworker Justice Awards’ 40^th Anniversary — Los Angeles, which will celebrate 40 years of working to improve their health and well-being of farmworkers and their families. It will be held on September 14, 2021 at the prestigious venue LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, located in downtown Los Angeles. This year’s Farmworker Justice Awards are being presented by Pepsico.

The gala awards will recognize individuals, businesses, and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each day in America. They also provide an opportunity for supporters and contributors from the business, legal, and nonprofit communities to help bring attention to the important work being done by FJ on behalf of the people who labor on farms and ranches to feed America. 

Honorees for the evening include Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Bel Hernandez, Founder/CEO of Latin Heat Media and Chair of the Farmworker Justice Advisory Council; Richard Montañez, Author, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Executive, and former farmworker, and John Echeveste, CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

The eclectic list of supporter includes Hollywood celebrities, social justice community advocates, and corporate America leaders. The evening will be hosted by Jordi Vilasuso (The Young and the Restless) with Farmworker Justice President Bruce Goldstein and UFW Co-founder and Dolores Huerta, Foundation President Dolores Huerta delivering the keynote remarks. 

A live auction will conducted by the incomparable Charo and David Damian Figueroa, Farmworker Justice Awards’ Director of Development. Multimedia artist Yolanda Gonzalez‘ exclusive paintings and sculptures will available for sale, which will benefit the organization. 

“It’s been an incredible honor to see Farmworker Justice reach this milestone of 40 years,” said Goldstein. “This past year has been challenging for us all, but especially for our farmworkers, who, despite being deemed essential workers, have had their rights challenged and their lives put at risk because of lack of protections. When considering the 40th anniversary of Farmworker Justice, it’s important to acknowledge the strides we’ve made, while being aware of the work that is yet to be done.”

Presenters will include actress/educator Dr. Alma Martinez, actresses Julie Carmen (Windows on the World, Milagro Beanfield War), and Pepe Serna (Flamin’ Hot, Scarface) and Antonia Hernandez the CEO of the California community foundation and the Honorable Gloria Molina, first woman and Latina elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will also be presenting.

In attendance will be actors Annie Gonzalez and Pepe Serna, both who recently finished filming the Flamin’ Hot movie which was directed by Eva Longoria. Also in attendance are actors Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out),  Emilio Rivera (Mayans MC), Karina Noelle Castillo (NCIS, The Good Doctor), Naomi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Laura Patalano (Gentefied), JM Longoria (Miracles From Heaven), and Dyana Ortelli (Coco). Singer/performer Catie Waters, and Yvette Gonzalez Nacer (Vivo, In The Heights) will also join.

“I am very proud and honored to stand in solidarity with my friends at Farmworkers Justice, who work so tirelessly and heroically to assure fair and decent working and living conditions for our farmworkers who provide the food that feeds our families,“ said honoree John Echeveste.

The beautiful outdoor campus of La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes will come alive with the decorations of Ricardo Soltero. “We have retained the services of a renowned scenic designer, Ricardo Soltero, who will be designing the stage and entire campus of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for our celebration. Soltero is scenery director and stage-set designer for the annual Hollywood Forever Dia de Los Muertos celebration,” said Figueroa, who is also producing the event.

Farmworker Justice will be held Tuesday, September 14th at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main Street, Downtown, L.A. Reception and Arts Program will commence at 6 PM to 9:30 PM (PST). Organizers will be observing both California and City of Los Angeles latest pandemic guidelines for events. Masks and proof of vaccination will be required. Tickets are still available: CLICK HERE.  

For sponsorship opportunities: ddfigueroa@farmworkerjustice.org 

Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn. #FairWages #HandsThatFeedUs

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This holiday season, Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives, Dora and the Lost City of Gold) and Farmworker Justice are coming together to highlight the vast impact farmworkers have on the lives of all Americans. Christmas trees, stuffings, roasted meats and fruit pies are just a few of our favorite holiday treats that wouldn’t be available without the thousands of farmworkers in this country.

“This year has been difficult for everybody but even before COVID-19, farmworkers worked in harsh conditions for inadequate wages and insufficient workplace safety standards.” said Bruce Goldstein, President of Farmworker Justice. “The pandemic has made the life of a farmworker much more difficult in the past 9 months; an estimated 269,000 farmworkers have contracted COVID-19 since March. They also continued to work through the wildfires in California, exposing themselves to even greater dangers without adequate PPE.”

Despite these obstacles, farmworkers have persisted and in doing so, they have kept our food supply chain intact. Farmworker Justice has stood firmly alongside these workers, filing lawsuits and pressing lawmakers to give our farmworkers the relief they need and deserve.

“America’s farmworkers work under some of the most oppressive conditions and we need to support them, and the folks that fight each and every day to improve their lives through advocacy and the legal system,” says Longoria, actress, producer and a long time activist for immigration issues. 

Longoria has been passionately fighting for the rights of migrant farmworkers for years, using her platform to educate the public and fundraise for communities in need. She produced two documentaries, The Harvest (2010) and Food Chains (2014); The Harvest profiles three child farm workers during the harvest seasons and Food Chains delves into the campaign for fair wages, focusing on the farmworkers in Immokalee, FL. Her advocacy work has brought her to the White House and Congress where she has advocated for changes to the treatment of immigrants in this country.

Watch her interview with Farmworker Justice President, Bruce Goldstein, regarding the status of farmworkers during COVID-19 and Eva’s work on the issue here. 

Join Eva this holiday season and donate to Farmworker Justice so that we may continue to fight to improve the lives of America’s farmworker communities. 

You can donate by visiting CLICKING HERE 

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Los Angeles, CA –  The ‘Me Too’ movement has been instrumental in raising awareness about sexual abuse in the workplace while empowering women, from all walks of life to speak out and take action. The movement has now extended to the agricultural fields. Farmworker Justice, a nonprofit advocacy organization, has committed to raising awareness of sexual abuse in the workplace by empowering women from all walks of life, and in particular, women farmworkers, to speak out and take action against sexual abuse. Building on their long history and expertise, Farmworker Justice, in collaboration with Lideres Campesinas de California, have produced a short training film to help farmworker communities reduce sexual violence in the fields. 

The 8-minute film, Breaking the Silence, was directed by Bel Hernandez and demonstrates the power dynamics on some farms that facilitate sexual harassment and violence, portrays a sexual assault on a California farm, and shows the assistance farmworker women’s organizations provide to prevent and remedy such violations. The short is presented in Spanish (with and without English subtitles) and Mixteco, the native language of many indigenous farmworkers.  All the actors are farmworkers.  

“When I was asked to direct the film on sexual abuse in the fields, I didn’t realize this was such a prevalent occurrence. Directing Breaking The Silence was the experience that triggered me to get more involved with farmworker issues.  I am now the Chair for the Advisory Council for Farmworker Justice and look forward to working to provide support for the challenges farmworkers face on a daily basis,” said Bel Hernandez.  

Farmworker Justice will present a special screening via Zoom of Breaking the Silence on Thursday, July 23^rd at 1:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET. The presentation will be followed by an in-depth discussion led by, Farmworker Justice President, Bruce Goldstein; Suguet Lopez, Executive Director, Lideres Campesinas; and Breaking the Silence Director, Bel Hernandez. The screening will be attended by farmworker outreach organizations, farmworker advocacy groups, elected officials and Latinx farmworker activists who will be invited to offer opinions regarding the issue and engage in dialogue to find solutions. 

“Farmworker organizations throughout the country tell us that sexual harassment and sexual violence, especially against women, are widespread on America’s farms.  The threat of job loss, deportation, and eviction from homes and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness among victims are among the factors that lead many women to be reluctant to speak up about sexual harassment, discrimination and rape in the fields.   “Breaking the Silence can be one important tool to raise awareness about the problem and help empower farmworkers and their organizations as they seek to reduce and prevent sexual violence on America’s farms,” said Bruce Goldstein, President of Farmworker Justice.

Breaking the Silence film is only the first phase of a larger initiative developed by Farmworker Justice and Lideres Campesinas aimed at accomplishing that mission. The principal goal of the initiative is to build capacity among organizations working within farmworker communities through a variety of innovative approaches that will utilize the film, Breaking the Silence, as the foundation. The film identifies available solutions for the prevention and remedy of sexual violence in the fields and draws attention to the need for additional resources to help farmworkers implement those solutions.  The screening will also bring public attention to organizations that are taking action to empower farmworkers to reduce sexual harassment and violence.

For more information about Farmworker Justice, please visit: www.FarmworkerJustice.org

Follow Farmworker Justice on social media:

Facebook: @FarmworkerJustice

Instagram: @FarmworkerJustice

Twitter: @FarmwrkrJustice

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