Farmworker Chronicles
Cultivating Stability
This episode showcases Juan Becerra. Born in Texas to a long line of farmworkers, Juan grew up doing farmwork as a child. There was a lack of stability in his childhood, and this work's migratory nature eventually brought him to Ohio. Here, he would eventually join the U.S. Army - which gave him more stability in life. After serving in Vietnam, Juan encourages others to stand up for what is right and stop injustices around us, including ensuring farmworkers have their basic needs taken care of.
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Meet Your Host Gwen Short
Now a proud Toledoan, Gwen Short was born and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. As a kid, her favorite activities included exploring streams, turning over rocks, and planting in her family’s garden. Later, she would take that sense of exploration with her as she became an outdoor educator out west. Gwen got into that work to make an impact by fostering stewardship and sustainability within participants. Gwen saw how participants in her programs and those around her were deeply affected by the legal systems in our society. Now, Gwen has shifted from an education-based to a legal-based approach to impact and works as an attorney for immigrant and agricultural worker rights.
Meet Your Host Wendy Aviña
Wendy Aviña transplanted to Ohio from Texas 15 years ago. Born in California to Mexican immigrant parents, Wendy experienced firsthand the daily barriers and inequalities many immigrants endure. These experiences have led her to select career paths that enable her to help empower immigrants and farmworkers wherever she resides concerning civil rights, education, immigration, and access to health care. Wendy has listened to countless stories of disappointments, hardship, sacrifice, determination, gumption, and bravery throughout her work. Now she hopes to bring you these stories in Farmworker Chronicles.
Thank You
Voices Around Us® is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission.
