Johnny Itliong is working to reclaim the legacy of his father, Larry Itliong, a pivotal but often overlooked figure in the farmworker movement. Larry Itliong, a Filipino American labor organizer, was instrumental in the 1965 Delano grape strike and the founding of the United Farm Workers (UFW). Despite his significant contributions, including organizing farmworkers for decades and co-founding the Alaska Cannery Workers Union, his role has been overshadowed by Cesar Chavez.

Larry Itliong's activism began long before the UFW, stemming from his experiences with discrimination and economic injustice as a young Filipino immigrant in the U.S. during the Great Depression. He organized strikes in Washington and California, advocating for better conditions and an eight-hour workday. He also helped found Local 7 of UCAPAWA and later worked with the Agricultural Worker’s Organizing Committee (AWOC).

In 1965, Itliong led 1,500 Filipino farmworkers on strike, convincing Chavez to join forces, which led to the formation of the UFW. Though he served as assistant director, Itliong resigned in 1971 due to leadership conflicts and differences in approach. He continued advocating for workers' rights internationally and helped establish a retirement community for farmworkers before his death in 1977. Johnny Itliong seeks to ensure his father's crucial role is recognized.