SE Valley Times

Cesar Chavez, a key figure in the civil rights movement and American labor, was commemorated at Rio Salado College on March 31, coinciding with the federal holiday established in his honor by President Barack Obama in 2014. Originally only celebrating Chavez, the holiday has evolved to include Dolores Huerta, a close collaborator of Chavez and advocate for women's rights, turning it into the Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta Day of Service.

The event at Rio Salado College featured a detailed presentation by Karol Schmidt, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, who explored Chavez’s impactful life and his contributions. The presentation included video interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections on Chavez, who passed away in 1993.

Schmidt recounted that Chavez’s empathy for farm workers originated from his early life experience growing up in Yuma, Arizona, where harsh conditions forced him to leave school to support his family in the fields. Such personal hardships influenced his dedication to labor rights, highlighted by a lack of basic necessities and poor working conditions he witnessed first-hand.

The presentation also offered historical context on segregation, particularly Latino-only schools, and noted the significance of the Mendez Vs. Westminster case, which preceded the Brown Vs. Board of Education decision in 1954.

A notable segment included remarks from Paul Chavez, Cesar Chavez’s son, who shared insights into his father’s serene demeanor and how his quiet determination motivated others in the farmworker movement.

Chavez’s commitment to non-violence, inspired by figures like St. Francis and Gandhi, was a central theme explored in the lecture. His devotion to peaceful protest was exemplified by his participation in multiple fasts, including a 36-day fast, to further his cause.

Fred Ross, a mentor to Chavez through the Community Service Organization (CSO), played a crucial role in shaping Chavez’s activism. After parting ways with CSO due to disagreements over union support, Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Dolores Huerta. Their joint efforts led to significant actions like the Delano Grape Strike, which remains the longest strike in American history, and a 340-mile march from Delano to Sacramento.

Chavez’s advocacy extended to promoting racial harmony within the labor movement, urging solidarity between Latino and Filipino workers during the Grape Strike, ensuring unified efforts.

Schmidt concluded the event with a quote from Chavez: “We don’t need perfect political systems: we need perfect participation.”

Those interested in further exploring the legacy of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta can access a curated guide by the Rio Salado library, offering comprehensive resources including articles, documentaries, and book recommendations.