In his new book, In the Fields of the North/En los Campos del Norte, David Bacon captures the experiences of migrant workers in California through heart-wrenching photographs. The photojournalist, author, political activist, and union organizer traveled from the Mexican border to Washington State alongside migrant workers during the harvest season to document what life is like for these people, who work under harsh conditions and barely make ends meet. Bacon’s photographs, along with the narratives of these workers, not only give a glimpse into the hardships of farmworkers, but also of the family members who serve as their support system. He also sheds light on abuse in the agricultural industry. “The political climate in America today makes the contribution of this work of great importance to academic scholarship and society at large,” noted Geir Jordahl, director of PhotoCentral in Hayward. Bacon will discuss his book on Tuesday at UC Berkeley’s Labor Center, and copies of the book will be available for purchase. — Azucena Rasilla
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m., free, RSVP to attend, UC Berkeley Labor Center, 2521 Channing Way, Berkeley, LaborCenter.berkeley.edu
