CSU’s annual Cesar Chavez celebration,”Valuing Wisdom through Experience and Knowledge,” kicked off on March 10 and continues through April 3.
Born on March 31, 1927 near Yuma, Arizona, Chavez dedicated his life to human rights. He was specifically influential in improving the treatment, pay and working conditions for farm workers. He led non-violent marches, rallies, and boycotts. He also practiced hunger strikes, which may have contributed to his death on April 23, 1993.
“We must never forget our heroes who led the way for a better tomorrow; Cesar Chavez was one hero many of us will never forget,” said Guadalupe Salazar, director of El Centro.
Below is a schedule of events.
March 10 – March 31
‘We Shall Overcome’:
An Exhibition in Memory of César Chávez
7 a.m. – midnight
1st National Bank Gallery in the CSU Morgan Library
An exhibition inspired by the life and work of César Chávez.
Contact: jimena.sagas@colostate.edu
Friday, March 20
César Chávez Friday Afternoon Club (FAC)
International House | 6 – 8 p.m.
1400 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins 80521
Please join the CSU International Student and CSU Apartment Life community at I-House for great company and great food. Our weekly Friday Afternoon Club will celebrate the work of César Chávez, through a presentation of his work, social justice trivia (prize for the winning team) crafts, and great food. Absolutely free to engage and have fun!
Monday, March 30
Give Blood, Give Life
North of Warner College | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. is teaming up with Bonfils Blood Center to host the César Chávez Blood Drive. With giving blood to save lives on this day, it is meant to promote culture diversity and empower Latino/as. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Whose life will you save today?
Contact: pasillashugo@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 31
WGAC/El Centro Program
Noon | LSC Room 372
As part of the Katheryn T. Bohannon Speaker Series, we will be hosting a film screening of The Harvest/La Cosecha, followed by a discussion facilitated by Maricela DeMiryn, Ph.D., associate professor in the Ethnic Studies Department.
César Chávez Community Celebration
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | LSC Grand Ballroom
Join CSU for a family night of food, entertainment, and recognition.
Contact: gsalazar@colostate.edu
Wednesday, April 1
Panel Lunch
Noon–1:30 p.m. | LSC 312
The panel members will share what social justice means to them and why each person thinks this is important. We will discuss key points in acting on social justice issues and different ways to approach them. A Q&A session will also be held at the end for audience members to speak on their ideas/opinions. The panel members will consist of student activists, faculty members, and one moderator.
Contact: notwdestiny@gmail.com
Thursday, April 2
César Chávez (the 2014 film)
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | LSC Theatre
César Chávez tells the story as the civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers. Chávez embraced non-violence as he battled greed and prejudice. He inspired millions of Americans from all walks of life and proved the power of one individual’s ability to change the world. Starring: Wes Bentley, Michael Cudlitz, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, John Malkovich, and Michael Peña .
Contact: gsalazar@colostate.edu
Friday, April 3
Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. : Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, Room 333
While the movement is known for César Chávez’s leadership and considered a Chicano movement, Filipinos played a pivotal role. Filipino labor organizer Larry Itliong, a cigar-chomping union veteran, organized a group of 1,500 Filipinos to strike against the grape growers of Delano, Calif., beginning a collaboration between Filipinos, Chicanos and other ethnic workers that would go on for years.
Contact: anthony.kim@colostate.edu
All Events Are Free and Open To The Public
Free parking after 4 p.m. in most A, Z, and LSC meter lots, see posted signs for more details.
Sponsors: Access Center, Apartment Life, Asian/Pacific American Cultural Center, Campus Activities, CASA, Coca-Cola, Consuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, CSU Bookstore, El Centro, Ethnic Studies, Front Range Community College, GUIDE, Lory Student Center, Multicultural Greek Council, Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity Inc., Poudre School District, SLiCE, Women and Gender Advocacy Center.
www.FC-CesarChavez.org
