Agricultural labor continues to be one of the most strenuous, hazardous, and underpaid industries in the country. According to the United Stated Department of Labor, the median income from farmwork was between $2,500 and $5,000 a year. Three-fourths earned less than $10,000 annually. The agricultural industry is the second most profitable industries making over $400 billion in profits each year. Simultaneously those men and women who work hours and days in the fields of Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, California, and many other states are the familes who harvest the food we eat each day. Have you thanked a farmworker?
Below, Raul Valdez speaks with Fox news anchor and UTPA Alumni Jessica Montoya in an interview that will air June 12th at 7:00 am on chanel 9 in the Rio Grande Valley.
Camille Gerhardt and Norma Perez work on providing great detail to the crops near the lower left corner of the North wall.
Erica Herrera works to complete the outline for Tonatiuh.
Both Eddie Quintero and Camille Gerhardt did a tremendous job on the fruits and vegetables falling off a produce truck. Both worked on the rail road tracks as to give it a more life like appearance.
As the heat advisory continues this diligent team of UTPA students, alumni, and artist continue to impress community members from across the Rio Grande Valley who are now aware of thier mural.
Buen trabajo! Mi estudianta y mejor amigo, yay!