The project

To inspire a new generation of activists to organize for systemic change, award-winning documentary filmmaker Ray Telles and human rights activist John Heffernan are making a documentary to show how collective action can combat racism, bigotry, and greed. Fred’s groundbreaking organizing efforts carried on and expanded upon by is son Fred Ross, Jr., improved the lives and livelihoods of thousands by focusing on systemic change. Telling their story will show how we can use his strategies today to create a groundswell of outreach and organizing that will engage activists at local, state, and national levels. As we witness growing divisions and their corrosive impacts infiltrating every sector of society, the lessons learned from Fred Ross Sr. and Jr., and the ways they can be applied to relieve today’s injustices, are more important and relevant than ever.

 
 

Please watch a short 5-minute video about how Fred created change.

 

“Fred taught us how to turn our grief and anger into action and hope. We learned to ‘tell our story’, create a plan of action and to track our progress.”

—Jessica Govea Thorbourne

UFW organizer and Board Member

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are Important to us. 

The Fred Ross Project upholds the freedom and equal dignity of all human beings and is deeply committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination.   

We are committed  to treating all people with respect and without distinction of any kind resulting from race, ethnicity, religion, language, culture, gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation, country of origin, nationality, immigration status, physical and mental ability, socio-economic status, education level, age, veteran status, pregnancy, family structure or any other identity. 

 The Fred Ross Project is committed to lifting up voices that have been historically excluded or marginalized due to discrimination and oppression, encouraging and supporting all that is inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds, and respecting and engaging with difference.

We believe that those organizations and individuals that we are associated with should reflect these commitments that were honored and respected by Fred Ross, Sr. throughout his life.