It’s Worth It

By: Elaine Lehman

 

Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, then FACC chair, and I spent a lot of time together, processing plans for the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago: to affect transformative change and to rebuild community at the Rizal Community Center.

Dr. Crisostomo spoke much about the U.S. civil rights movement and his deep respect for Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He, like Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, fought for institutional reform and to foster identity among his people. He serves to remind us that we must reflect each day in our cultural values ‘pakikipag kapwa’, being one with another. Humanness at its highest level.

We discussed how Mr. Harry Belafonte, venerable singer, songwriter, actor, and social activist used his celebrity to illuminate the plight of the African American in the U.S. abroad and to build international and domestic awareness of and support for the civil rights movement led by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He funded efforts, so that Rev. King could spearhead the cause.

These great individuals’ visions and actions align and are lessons for us all, to thoughtfully engage, while taking ethical inventory of ourselves and our responsibilities not only to our community but to the broader community in the tapestry of this imperfect but beautiful country. It’s worth it.

As a child, these leaders’ examples were familiar in my life. My parents wed on the same day that Rev. King gave his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. My father, a psychologist, criminology professor, and social activist, advocated for the rights and dignity of the plantation workers in the Philippines, and the Latino and African American communities as well as immigrants and other marginalized groups in Chicago. We often spoke about what was happening in the Philippines, suffering under dictatorship. He taught us beginning at early age about social justice, respectful dissent, and the life and work of Dr. King as exemplar. He encouraged me to join the conversation that adults were having and invited me to question and debate. As an adult, I had the opportunity to meet and learn about strategic activism from Mr. Belafonte. I will always remember Mr. B’s words to Ari and me, to never become comfortable. He also taught me the importance of being able to effectively answer “And then what?” before and after an action.

After Typhoon Haiyan and our participation in emergency response, I began to observe the local Filipino community more closely – particularly the condition of the FACC and the Rizal Community Center. I was disconcerted at the inability of people who love a land, a center so much to simply work it all out for the sake of peace, equity, and community.

People ask me why we continue our work at the FACC and the Rizal Community Center, cleaning up a mess of someone else’s doing. On more than one occasion, certain actions and statements have pronounced “ridiculous” “pathetic” “get out” “no way” from a variety of corners of the community. And I think of Dr. Crisostomo – a man who stepped outside of comfort and convenience and stood up to challenge and controversy – and his call to act: Now. I think of our early leadership. Love of countries. Love of community. And the people who also believe in celebrating our diverse community and who have returned. It’s worth it.

Dear Kababayan: We ask you to fall in love with and help rebuild a place that will drive you crazy — but like all great loves, it’s worth it.