Historically; farmworkers have been among the most exploited of America's many laboring groups. They are not forgotten people; but they are indeed America's most ignored. In a book of significant social importance; Nano Riley and Davida Johns remind us; with honesty and passion; of Florida's own 'harvest of shame'. --Jack Davis; University of Alabama at Birmingham"Hidden in parts of rural Florida is a way of life that has more in common with the 19th century than the 21st. Nano Riley and Davida Johns shine a much-needed spotlight on the sometimes horrific working conditions faced by tens of thousands of people."--Robert Lorei; news director; WMNF Radio; TampaIn a book that combines both oral history and documentary photography; Nano Riley and Davida Johns tell the story of Florida's farmworkers in the 21st century. Largely ignored by mainstream America; migrant laborers often toil under adverse labor and living conditions to provide the nation's food supply. Intimate photographs and lucid text offer a look not only into the difficulties faced by these laborers but also into the rich cultural heritages of their communities and the close ties of their family life.Until now; most publications on migrant farm labor focused on California or the Southeast in general; offering little information on conditions particular to farmworkers in Florida. Florida's Farmworkers focuses on the history of Florida agriculture; the unique climate; ecology; crops; and working conditions that distinguish the situation of Florida's farm laborers from those in other states. Organized thematically; the book explores the issues facing these migrant workers; who are largely Hispanic; Haitian; and from other regions of the Caribbean. Among the issues addressed are low wages; children's problems; education; substandard living conditions; health; pesticide exposure; and immigrant smuggling. Riley and Johns draw attention to a labor system greatly in need of reform.Nano Riley is a freelance journalist living in St. Petersburg; Florida. Davida Johns is an award-winning photographer; currently serving in the Peace Corps in Belize.
#737949 in Books 2016-02-09 2016-02-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.13 x 1.29 x 6.07l; 1.31 #File Name: 0812981596576 pages
Review
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. What A Man-What a LeaderBy richard e whitelockWashington was a king among kings. But he was smart enough to take the title of citizen; general and final President and never wore the cloak of a monarch. The United States fought a war against a monarch and its citizenry were not tolerant of another king. They fought for freedom and a government that served the people and not enslaved the people. John Adams wanted Washington to assume the role of a monarch. But he was smart enough to recognize that it would be best if he didn't serve as the first president and to retire to Mount Vernon was his only desire. But as a public servant he finally agreed to help his country in peace as he did in war. We lacked a document (Constitution) to govern by and we lacked a infrastructure that would support the new nation. Washington was the glue that held the republic together and his cabinet comprised of Adams; Jefferson; Hamilton; Madison; etc. were the men who made it work. As the nation fumbled its way to a democratic society; the publics trust in Washington allowed his circle to formulate; make mistakes and finally get it right with the exception of the slavery issue. But the new nation would pay dearly for that slight 70 years later.A good book and well written. It serves as an enlightenment as to the problems and many solutions that were available to our nation's new governing body. We were very lucky and very fortunate that it all held together while we fumbled to get it right. Without Washington at the helm the first eight years of our infant democracy; surely we would have failed.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very interestingBy laps253The book gave insight into the struggles between the Founding Fathers as well as their struggles to set up a new government. Makes what George Washington and the rest accomplished all the more amazing. Gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of some repetition which made the book rather long.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Indepth historyBy Teri K.Detail oriented that included so much history of not only Washington but many of the following presidents. Also included so many trials and tribulations that our government faces today for our democracy.
