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If Carlos Bulosan were alive today

Carlos Bulosan in the 1930s

If Carlos Bulosan were alive today, he would be 95 years old. How would he respond, what would he think about the recent gathering in his name? Would he realize the fulfillment of every writer's dream - an archival repository of his papers housed in the Library of Congress? Would he pose the question to our community, to scholars and to the world at large, "Are we there yet?" referring to the arrival of justice, fairness and a new world order in 2006 as opposed to the racial oppression of Filipino migrant laborers in the 1930s?

Last April 28,2006 the Carlos Bulosan Symposium "America is in the Heart for the 21st Century" took place at the globally prestigious institute, the Library of Congress. The daylong event in the heart of the nation's capital was held at the Jefferson Building of the library. Nine Bulosan scholars presented their papers and brought to light the writer's life and times. Bulosan died in 1956.

Headed by eminent scholar, Dr. E. San Juan, Jr., the symposium panelists included Dr.Tim Libretti of Northeastern Illinois University, Dr. Richard A. Baldoz, visiting fellow at Stanford University, Dr. Susan Evangelista (Bulosan biographer) from the Palawan State University, the tandem Asian American scholars Dr. Lane Hirabayashi and Ms. Marilyn Alquizola. They were joined by Dr. Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza formerly of Rutgers University, Mr. Jeffrey Cabusao, doctoral candidate from University of Michigan who emphasized the relevance of Bulosan's writings and ideology today. Ms. Cindy Domingo, Seattle labor activist recounted the Alaskeros' experiences in the salmon cannery industry and the importance of Bulosan's documentation of Local 37 activities.

The papers presented centered on Bulosan's novel, "America is in the Heart," and its relevance to the present time. Dr. Jorshi Sonza reminded the audience that Bulosan's prophetic words in 1943 predicted the present concept of globalization. Dr. Richard Baldoz described the circumstances that early Filipino migrations met in the hands of White America: panic at being colonized by Filipinos as they came in droves and threatened the social fabric of puritanical communities in the West Coast.

Film footage excerpts of the play, "The Romance of Magno Rubio" (adapted by playwright, Lonnie Carter from a Bulosan short story) was shown, courtesy of Ma-yi Theater Company of New York. The event was coordinated by Reme Grefalda, founding editor of Our Own Voice who partnered with the Library of Congress Asian Division Friends Society.

The Carlos Bulosan Archives was inaugurated the following day on April 29, 2006 at the Library's Asian Reading Room, Jefferson Building. R Sonny Sampayan, a Bulosan descendant and Filipina matriarch and community leader Remy Cabacungan cut the ribbon.

For a closer look at Carlos Bulosan's life and work in America, click to: http://www.reflectionsofasia.com/carlosbulosan.htm

For more details on the LOC symposium, click into http://www.oovrag.com/reader/reader2006-1.shtml

Symposium proceedings will be available this summer at the
LOC Asian Division website, http://www.lcasian.gov.