Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535796
2 8 P E R S P E C T I V E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5 Visit adg.org/perspective to view the comic panels in full screen. Fernando Argosino GRAPEVINES: THE MANONG STORY OF PHILIP VERA CRUZ, IS A HISTORICAL FICTION HIGHLIGHTING THE LIFE OF THE FILIPINO VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED FARM WORKERS. THIS STORY DEPICTS HIS MIGRANT LABORER EXPERIENCES, HOW HE HELPED FORM THE UNION WITH CESAR CHAVEZ, AND HOW EVENTUALLY HE BECOME A LABOR LEADER FOR ALL WORKERS IN THE US. A STUDENT OF TODAY FINDS VERA CRUZ'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY AT THE LIBRARY. AMIDST A TIME OF BOOK BANS AND LIBRARY CLOSURES, HE FINDS INSPIRATION FROM VERA CRUZ'S EXPERIENCES, AND CREATES A PRESENT-DAY CHANGE IN THE DYSTOPIA OF UNCHECKED PRIVILEGE AND INEQUITY IN AN "ALL-AMERICAN" HIGH SCHOOL. Fernando Argosino, Sr. Illustrator, ADG. Fernando, formerly a community organizer and high school teacher, has been a member of the ADG since 2018. He carries forward his passion for politics and community with his art. Working in the comic book and entertainment industry, Fernando utilizes his understanding of pop culture and art to teach history and to put a spotlight on community leaders of the past, so that others can find motivation to lead us into a pro-people future.