Farmworker Chronicles
Exploring the Bracero Program's Legacy
In this episode of Farmworker Chronicles, hosts Gwen and Wendy interview Eugenio Mollo Jr., the Clinical Assistant Professor of Law and the inaugural director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at the University of Toledo College of Law, about the Bracero program. Eugenio has experience in immigration and farmworker law and provides insights into the program's origins, its impact on labor migration, and the ongoing challenges farmworkers face today. The conversation highlights the historical context of Mexican labor in the U.S. and connects it to the present, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding toward immigrant communities.
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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.
