Ukiah resident Allan Barahal, currently 103 years old, was born on August 31, 1920, in Toledo, Ohio, before relocating to Detroit where he spent his childhood in poverty during the Great Depression. Living above a Kroger’s Grocery Store in the Jewish district of Detroit, Allan faced significant hardships from a young age.
His early years were marked by financial struggles, with people coming to their door for help while they themselves lacked sufficient resources. At times, they had to rely on the generosity of others for food, and their living conditions were challenging, with cockroaches infesting their apartment. Despite the harsh winters in Detroit near the Canadian border, Allan improvised by using cardboard in his shoes for warmth due to the inability to afford shoe repairs.
Allan’s educational journey led him to Detroit Central High School, while his father was employed as a truck driver at Ford Motor Company and was a member of the United Auto Workers union. Witnessing Diego Rivera painting the Detroit Industry Murals and interacting with notable figures like Henry Ford and Babe Ruth during his youth left a lasting impression on him.
After attending Wayne State University and spending time at Harvard University for graduate studies, Allan served in the Merchant Marine during World War II, contributing to the transportation of essential supplies to allied countries, including Russia. The perilous journey through the Black Sea, evading German blockades, exposed him to the harsh realities of wartime maritime operations.
Returning to Detroit post-war, Allan engaged in labor organizing within the UAW education department, advocating for workers’ rights and equality. His marriage to Anabel in 1946 was a significant event, marked by a stand against racial discrimination at their wedding celebration, which sparked a movement for desegregation in Detroit.
While initially intending to teach in China, the couple settled in San Francisco amidst the Chinese Revolution, where Allan found solidarity in the city’s strong union presence. Despite facing challenges during the McCarthy era due to their activism, they persevered through odd jobs until Allan joined the ILWU as a Longshoreman and warehouseman, a physically demanding role that he embraced as a testament to his working-class ethos.
Throughout his diverse experiences, from manual labor on the docks to teaching Social Studies at San Rafael High School, Allan remained committed to social justice and education. His impactful teaching career, bridging personal experiences with academic instruction, earned him recognition in the San Rafael High School Hall of Honor in 2017.
Following retirement, Allan and Anabel continued their passion for teaching at alternative schools before embarking on adventurous travels, exploring various regions on their bicycles. Their later years in Ukiah were filled with outdoor activities, community engagement, and spiritual involvement, reflecting a life well-lived.
Despite the loss of his beloved wife Anabel in 2020, Allan, now in his 100s, resides in Ukiah, supported by his devoted daughter Rachel and son-in-law David. Reflecting on his journey, Allan acknowledges the challenges and triumphs of his life, expressing gratitude for the experiences that have shaped him.