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Migrant Workers of the Virginia Tidewater

Gregorio Hernandez

Gregorio Hernandez has been living in the United States for 23 years and has been working in the gardening industry since 2001. In this interview, he describes what a typical work year is like for him. Mr. Hernandez also discusses how education is an important tool for success and how his children have utilized education to get to where they are today. He strongly believes that a strong work ethic is imperative for success and that education is a springboard to get individuals where they want to be. Mr. Hernandez discusses the importance of hard work in his community and elaborates on how politics and COVID-19 have challenged his job and life.

Below are several excerpts from our full interview with Gregorio Hernandez. Some of these clips were included in our telling of this story, Some haven't! You can view all of our clips below, and the full interview can be located at the bottom of the page.

THE BELOW INTERVIEWS ARE IN SPANISH / ESPAÑOL.
ENGLISH CAPTIONS PROVIDED.

Have There Been Legal Troubles while Working in the U.S.?

How Has Politics Affected Your Job?

What It Was like Working in the Gardening Industry.

Full Oral History Interview

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5. Gregorio Lucas Caspar Mr. Gregorio Lucas Caspar is a part of the Virginia Tidewater Main Street Project. Mr. Caspar came from Mexico to continue working in agriculture along with his brother and sister. In his interview he talks about his experience working on farms in the United States. His job as well as his friends’ and familys’ jobs have been affected greatly by the pandemic as well as new policies within the United States.
10. Mateo Gomez Mr. Mateo Gomez is a migrant worker from the Chesapeake Bay area. He talks about how he has adapted to working on the coast during times of political and social change as well as the effects it has on him and his family. Mr. Gomez discusses the language barrier challenges in the working environment that he is in and how it is important to rely on the workers like they are family. Working together creates a longlasting bond that carries them throughout the season until their contract is up and pushes them to work hard not only for the company but for their families that they are supporting.

THE BELOW INTERVIEWS ARE IN SPANISH / ESPAÑOL.ENGLISH CAPTIONS PROVIDED.

Have There Been Legal Troubles while Working in the U.S.?

How Has Politics Affected Your Job?

What It Was like Working in the Gardening Industry.

Full Oral History Interview

This page has paths:

This page references:

THE BELOW INTERVIEWS ARE IN SPANISH / ESPAÑOL.
ENGLISH CAPTIONS PROVIDED.