SAN DIEGO — The life and achievements of César E. Chávez will be celebrated with a series of events throughout the month of April at the University of California, San Diego. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the United Farm Workers (UFW), co-founded by Cesar Chávez and fellow activist Dolores Huerta.
The legacy of Chávez and the UFW will be recognized with events at UC San Diego including a concert, cultural celebration, community fair, film screenings, discussions with activists and scholars, a youth essay contest and student field trip.
Chávez’s birthday on March 31 is a statewide holiday and is observed by UC San Diego March 30.
“This year’s celebration is especially extraordinary because it marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Farm Workers Union,” said Jorge Mariscal, literature professor and chair of the UC San Diego César E. Chávez
Recognition Planning Committee. “In 1962, with very few resources, Chávez, Huerta and their Pilipino allies organized workers living in horrible conditions––child labor, inferior housing, low pay and high rates of cancer from pesticides. Over time, the UFW inspired pride in many Mexican-Americans and its legacy of service and sacrifice continues today.”
At noon, April 3 in the Price Center patio, a community organization fair will feature local San Diego volunteer groups that carry on the legacy of service taught by Chávez and the UFW. A free concert will take place at the same time with Quinazo, featuring local musician/activist Quino (formerly of Big Mountain), with special guests Ricardo Sanchez and Mark Moses.
At 4 p.m. on April 12 in the UC San Diego Cross-Cultural Center, LeRoy Chatfield will present his recollections of the early years of the UFW. Chatfield was a chief advisor to Chávez from 1962 to 1972.
The César E. Chávez Celebration official opening is…
Finish reading UC San Diego Salutes César Chávez Day with Month of Activities in April
