California State University, Stanislaus will host the 20th Annual Cesar E. Chávez celebration on April 1.
Throughout the day, there will be three main events: a Chávez Display, “Cesar’s Last Fast” followed by a Q&A with Paul Chávez and a keynote address.
Starting in the University Quad is a Chávez Display from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After the Chávez Display, students and the community can continue the celebration from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. at the showing of the documentary film “Cesar’s Last Fast” in C-102. Following the documentary is a Q&A with Paul Chávez, Cesar Chávez’s son and the President of the Cesar Chávez Foundation.
Paul Chávez was invited by the university to be a part of the celebration of his father’s life.
“I am very excited for Paul Chavez to be joining us because it’s a representation of Cesar and his life, and legacy, it’s an honor for us to have him because his dad represents the whole San Joaquin Valley,” Carolina Alfaro, Early Assessment Program Coordinator, said.
Ending the days celebration is a keynote address in Main Dining from 6 to 8:30 p.m. At the keynote address, there will also be essay and poster contest awards along with entertainment.
Born March 31, 1927, Chávez was an American farm worker who knew he wanted more rights for other Hispanics such as himself and made it his life dedication to do so. He became a nonviolent activist who wanted to bring attention to the working conditions, pay, and treatment of farmers, by forming many marches, boycotts and hunger strikes.
The hunger strikes are said to be a contributor to his death in April 1993. Before he passed, Chávez was able to achieve his goal and helped create both the National Farm Workers Association, which later became United Farm Workers.
The 20th Annual Cesar Chávez will take place all day on April 1. For information on the event, call Carolina Alfaro at 209- 667-3982.