“Bringing Fred’s life to the screen is the medicine our society needs right now. He empowered people to be engaged in the democratic process.”
–Dolores Huerta
American Agitators captures the remarkable story of organizing for social change in the U.S. It features Fred Ross Sr., Dolores Huerta, Fred Ross Jr., and many other iconic organizers, along with current grassroots leaders—all of whom have devoted their lives to the pursuit of justice and equality.
For over 50 years Ross led groundbreaking organizing campaigns that improved the lives of thousands: from organizing Dust Bowl refugees, to helping Japanese-Americans find jobs and housing after release from the internment camps, to challenging KKK activity by organizing civil unity leagues in California. Ross’ work laid the foundation for the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown vs Board of Educationand his mentorship of legendary organizers Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta led to the success of the United Farmworkers.
The film explores how Ross’s innovative tactics reverberate in organizing strategies today: in Atlanta, where Fight For 15 organizers demand an increased minimum wage and the unionization of workers across the Southern states; in Las Vegas, where hotel workers organize for fair wages and to get out the vote; in Oakland, where teachers, families and community members forged a fair contract with the Oakland school district.
American Agitators illustrates how collective action can create long-term, positive change, especially at a critical moment in American history.
Event co-sponsored by Berkeley City College, Chicanx Student Development, and UC Berkeley Labor Center.
–View American Agitators Premier Trailer.
—Learn more about this project.
