Mario Cervantes, a skilled factory worker who makes the tools that make the planes for Boeing aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, is interviewed by Briana O’Higgins on behalf of the Kansas Humanities Council as part of an American Folklife Center Archie Green Fellowship to document Boeing Aircraft Workers. Shortly before this interview, Boeing--which had been a community mainstay for decades--announced it was permanently closing all its factories, offices and facilities in Wichita. Mr. Cervantes talks about his family’s connection to Boeing, his pride in his trade, and his pride in working for Boeing. He also discusses his Hispanic heritage and how it has impacted his career; labor unrest and his commitment to fair employment; his union; and his disappointment that Boeing would no longer be a presence in Wichita.
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