Yolo County Honors Legacy of Mexican “Braceros” and Their Descendants

WOODLAND — A first-of-its-kind Yolo County exhibit recently honored the legacy of the Bracero Program, which started in 1942 and concluded in 1964, marking 60 years since its ending. This program permitted millions of Mexican farmworkers to work legally in the United States under short-term labor contracts, playing a crucial role in sustaining the nation’s economy during World War II.

Dr. Melissa Moreno, the exhibit organizer, highlighted, “California is the state with the largest number of braceros.” In collaboration with various local agencies and the county board of supervisors, Moreno worked diligently to ensure that the contributions of these workers are not forgotten.

More than 10,000 braceros are estimated to have arrived in Yolo County, making it one of the main hubs for migrant workers in the state. Dr. Moreno emphasized the significance of remembering the contributions immigrant communities have made to the country, stating, “I think it’s important for members of immigrant communities to remember that they have been part of the significant contributions to the nation.”

Moreno connected the exhibit to her personal history, sharing photos of her grandfather and father, both of whom were braceros. “This is my grandfather and my father,” she said. She has made it a mission to locate other local descendants and honor their stories.

During WWII, Japanese farmworkers were sent to internment camps, creating a substantial void that the braceros filled. Despite their contributions, the workers faced challenging conditions, family separation, and low wages. Moreno noted the complexities of this history, saying, “I want people to understand that this is a complex history with nuances. It’s not just a romanticized history.”

Following the program’s termination in 1964, some braceros remained in the U.S. with expired permits and later applied for residency in the 1980s. The Yolo County Board of Supervisors expressed their recognition of this legacy by adopting a resolution to honor not only the braceros but also their descendants living in the county today.

Supervisor Lucas Frerichs stated, “They are now in elected office, contributing to the community in education, all these fields. It’s so important to recognize that program but share the legacy of what that program did for Yolo County.” Supervisor Angel Barajas, who also has bracero heritage, emphasized that many of these descendants are now leaders in their communities, demonstrating the contributions of hard-working families to the American fabric.

Barajas added that these migrant workers played a pivotal role in building Yolo County’s agricultural economy, which is now valued at billions of dollars. Their impact continues to be felt, and their memories and contributions remain integral to the county’s history.

One attendee, Marcus Navarette, discovered a photo of his great-great-grandmother among the exhibit’s displays, recognizing her connection to the Tafoya family, who are believed to have established the first Mexican-owned market in Yolo County and employed bracero workers. Navarette reflected, “Without these people, we wouldn’t have been able to live here, be educated. I wouldn’t have been here.”

This history, often overlooked, has fostered a legacy that extends beyond agricultural labor and into the broader community, shaping futures in Yolo County. The exhibit, although only open for one day, is part of a larger effort to bring these important stories into local schools next year.

The event was organized by the Ethnic Studies YOLO Academy in partnership with Supervisor Lucas Frerichs, Supervisor Angel Barajas, the Mexican Yolo Concilio, and the Yolo County Archives.