Chabot Spectator

Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: In Focus

Media Credit: Photo Courtesy of www.cesarchavezday.org

There have been great Americans contributing to our nation throughout time. Americans such as Abraham Lincoln, Ben Franklin and Thomas Edison, are a few of the greatest who have helped this country grow and prosper. However, Americans are not always aware of all the many important people, who have been a blessing to the people of this country. One man who is not too well known is Cesar Chavez.

Cesar Chavez revolutionized the farming industry for workers and every year, he is celebrated on his birthday, March 31.

How did this day become approved as a holiday? Lupe Ortiz, a Mexican-American history instructor at Chabot, stated in an e-mail, "[The] Cesar E. Chavez [holiday] was approved by the Planco Bill SB 984 on Aug. 18, 2000 to be celebrated on the 31."

To better understand why this man is so celebrated, it must be understood as to why this man was so great. Ortiz stated, "Cesar E. Chavez is best remembered as a great American because of his dedication to improving the lives of farm workers.  All Americans can be are proud of an individual such as Cesar E. Chavez who inspired such relentless sacrifice to organizing farm labor during difficult times.  The farm workers have always been at the bottom of the economic ladder due to poor wages and working conditions.  They have unstable jobs but they feed the nation through their tireless efforts in the fields."

So why should anyone attend this commemorative events for Chavez? Ortiz stated, "Anyone who wants to commemorate his legacy should participate and remember this great man and his sacrifice.  A number of students from my class have indicated they will attend the festivities in San Francisco to learn more about Cesar and to become involved."

This year, for the Cesar Chavez Day, there will be a breakfast at the Mission Language School, Latino Culinary Academy at 2929 19th St., San Francisco from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Tickets are $40. The day will also include a parade beginning on 24th St. and festival at the Festival-Everett Middle School on 17th St., San Francisco. The parade begins at noon and the the festivities will follow at 1:00 p.m. There will also be arts and crafts, music and dancing till 5. For more information, visit www.cesarchavezday.org.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools