The story of Stockton is written in the calloused hands of those who worked its fields, and this week, that story was honored in a heartfelt tribute at City Hall.
During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Christina Fugazi and city leaders gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Bracero Program — a historic labor initiative that began right here in Stockton on August 4, 1942. The event honored local partners who have helped preserve this powerful chapter of regional and national history.
A Legacy Rooted in Hard Work and Hope
The Bracero Program was born from a wartime agreement between the United States and Mexico, bringing millions of Mexican workers north to fill labor shortages during World War II. Between 1942 and 1964, more than 4.6 million labor contracts were signed, connecting hands and hearts across borders and forming the backbone of California’s agricultural success.
Here in the San Joaquin Valley, the Braceros’ labor transformed the landscape — from asparagus to tomatoes to grapes — helping shape the thriving agricultural region we know today. But beyond crops and contracts, their story is one of courage, perseverance, and community.
Honoring the Stewards of History
Mayor Fugazi recognized several community partners for their commitment to keeping the Bracero legacy alive:
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Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton, led by Martha Arevalos, for promoting awareness of Bracero history.
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El Concilio California, represented by Jose Rodriguez and Dr. Ines Ruiz Houston, for engaging and educating the community about this vital history.
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University of the Pacific’s Dr. Laura D. Gutierrez, for her academic leadership and preservation of Bracero stories.
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AG1 Packing & Harvest Company, represented by Gloria Luz and Jesse Sandoval, for private-sector efforts to honor agricultural pioneers.
Dr. Gutierrez shared, “The Bracero story is not just labor history — it’s community history. The men who came through Stockton changed the course of our city’s economy and culture. Their legacy lives on in the generations who continue to call Stockton home.”
For Jesse Sandoval, the tribute was personal: “Our family’s roots in agriculture trace back to the Bracero era. Their work ethic and determination still guide how we grow, harvest, and lead today.”
A City Built on Shared Roots
In her remarks, Mayor Fugazi reflected on the Braceros’ lasting impact:
“The Bracero Program began here in Stockton — but its historical significance lives on through us. It’s a legacy of hard work, unity, and opportunity — values that define Stockton today.”
That spirit of unity continues to ripple through the community — in the families whose grandfathers once arrived by train to work the fields, in the businesses still cultivating the soil, and in the classrooms where new generations learn about those who paved the way.
Keeping the Story Alive
The City encourages residents to learn more about this vital piece of Stockton’s history and to watch the City Council’s Bracero Recognition Presentation here.
At The Caravan News, we celebrate the stories that shape who we are — stories of resilience, family, and community. The Bracero legacy is not just a page in history; it’s the foundation on which Stockton continues to grow.
Photo Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black-and-White Negatives.