Alejandro Rosel, like many children of farmworkers, spent his childhood in the fields alongside his siblings. His father, Hipolito Rosel, was a bricklayer in Progreso, Texas, but the family ventured to Lansing, Michigan, in pursuit of farm work opportunities when Alejandro was just 4 years old. The harsh reality of child labor was prevalent during that time, with children either working or playing in the fields without proper care.
One tragic incident changed the course of Alejandro’s life. While playing a harmless game of catching a ride on his father’s truck after unloading vegetables, Alejandro’s sister, Manuela, suffered a fatal accident when a tire ran over her hip. The traumatic event haunted their family, especially Alejandro’s father, Hipolito.
Upon returning to Texas, Hipolito found solace and purpose in meeting Antonio Orendain, the head of the Texas UFW. Motivated by his daughter’s tragedy, Hipolito dedicated himself to advocating for farmworkers’ rights. He oversaw the construction of the TFWU headquarters building, “El Cuhamil,” and incorporated a memorial symbolizing his daughter’s memory.
Alejandro, now a social studies teacher, draws from his experiences in the TFWU to educate his students about local history. Despite facing challenges in integrating TFWU history into the curriculum, Alejandro remains committed to preserving the legacy of the union and sharing real-life stories with his students.
The historical significance of the Texas Farm Workers Union is often overshadowed by the more prominent United Farm Workers and figures like César Chávez. The lack of formal education on TFWU history highlights the disparities in recognizing diverse narratives within Latino history.
Historian Timothy Bowman emphasizes the overlooked aspects of TFWU history, which delve into controversial elements of Chávez’s legacy. The union’s story, marked by internal conflicts and lesser-known achievements, struggles to find a place in mainstream historical narratives.
Despite the challenges, individuals like Alejandro Rosel continue to advocate for the recognition of TFWU history and the preservation of its legacy. Through personal collections, exhibits, and commemorative events, efforts are being made to ensure that the stories of the Texas Farm Workers Union are not forgotten.
As debates over historical narratives persist, the resilience of those who carry the TFWU history forward reflects a commitment to honoring the past and advocating for social justice. The march for recognition and remembrance continues, echoing the voices of past leaders who urged the next generation to keep the legacy alive.