by Valerie Rojas
Staff Writer
For the first time ever, the University of La Verne Latino Student Forum will host activities in honor of the state holiday, Cesar Chavez Day, Monday.
LSF has numerous events planned on campus throughout the day. These events are designed to increase awareness about the life of Cesar Chavez and his movements.
Eighteen of Chavez’ quotes have been selected to be displayed throughout campus.
The quotes address issues of social justice, education, immigration and nonviolence, all focused on Chavez’ movements.
Pamphlets, buttons and ribbons will also be distributed Monday, and a painting of the Rock will be held Sunday evening.
A reading of poems and plays, as well as an open microphone session, will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Quad. This will be an opportunity for interested students and faculty to learn more about Chavez and speak their opinions about his legacy.
“It’s important for people to know about people who change laws and views,” said Erick Vasquez, LSF chairman. “Our current movements today come from him.”
Chavez provided a voice for the oppressed.
His nonviolent movements and protests sparked changes in communities all over the country.
He spoke up for the farm workers, for the immigrants and for those who were being ignored by society.
As the founder of the National Farm Workers Association, Chavez led numerous boycotts and hunger strikes and managed to get the attention of those in leadership positions to spark a change that is still in effect today.
Numerous harmful pesticides, once in abundance, are no longer used. Farm workers have been given more rights, eight-hour workdays have been introduced and an end was brought to many injustices that plagued farm workers.
“Cesar Chavez is recognized for really changing the plight of those who had least access to power in this country,” said Daniel Loera, multicultural affairs director. “We need more spokespersons like him to point out the injustices, to talk about the injustices and role model how to respond to the injustices.”
Cesar Chavez Day was officially recognized as a state holiday last year, when California Gov. Gray Davis signed it into law.
Because LSF was busy planning events for later in the year, it was not able to plan a celebration for Cesar Chavez Day that they felt could meet their expectations last year, Loera said.
This time, LSF is prepared to spread awareness about Chavez and make his fight for equality and fairness well known.
“It is going to be a lot of hard work, but it is worth it because people need to know what Chavez did and what he stood for,” said Ana Jimenez, freshman LSF member.
For more information about the Cesar Chavez Day celebration, call (909) 990-2901.
