With social gatherings, fundraisers, film screenings and lectures, César Chávez Day will be celebrated all throughout Los Angeles on Thursday, March 31, 2011. The birthday of the Mexican American civil rights leader is recognized as César Chávez Day and is intended to promote service to the community in honor of Chávez’s life and work.
Here’s a list of events that will pay tribute to the life and legacy of César Chávez, Co-Founder of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), on what would have been his 84th birthday.
El Camino College
Compton Center
6007 Crenshaw Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90506
Free and open to the public
11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
The Associated Student Body (ASB) and Office of Student Life of El Camino College Compton Center are hosting the day’s festivities which will include a produce exhibit with samples, poetry readings, music, a selection of Mexican cuisine for purchase, and a portrayal of Cesar Chávez by actor Roberto Alcaraz.
The highlight of the Cesar Chávez Day Observance will be a 45-minute performance entitled “Cesar Chávez Speaks” written, adapted and performed by Roberto Alcaraz. Alcaraz’s presentation is designed to entertain and educate with excerpts from speeches by Cesar Chávez interlaced with a fictional interpretation of the “movimiento” (the Movement) and the state of civil, as well as worker’s rights today.
Live Oak Library
4153-55 E. Live Oak Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
Free and open to the public
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Listen to stories and make a Mexican-American art activity in honor of Civil Rights Activist César Chávez. Sponsored by the Friends of the Live Oak Library.
Corazon del Pueblo
2003 E. 1st St.
Los Angeles 90033
Suggested Donation $3.00
(50% of funds will benefit Corazon del Pueblo
50% of funds will go to June 4th organizational efforts for Cesar Chavez Remembrance day)
9:00pm – Midnight (Film Begins 10pm)
This event will include a special viewing of the rarely seen documentary “Fighting For Our Lives,” this 45 minute film lends valuable insight into the tumultuous beginnings of the UFW’s struggle to unionize the fragmented migrant farm worker community.
Cesar Chavez Park
401 Golden Ave, 90813
Long Beach, CA
Free and open to the public
3:00 p.m.-7:00p.m.
2011 Cesar Chavez Festival and Scholarship Awards “The Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez & Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”. Activities include performances by Chyle-Music Organization and Clara Ballet Folklorico; a student poetry contest featuring college scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 as awards; a Viva Los Ninos children’s play area; and an array of booths and tables offering information on job assistance, higher education, recreation services, citizenship.and public safety. Free raffles and giveaways, as well as food and drinks, will also be available. The event is being organized by the Long Beach Community Hispanic Association, also known as Centro CHA,
Placentia Library
411 East Chapman Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870
Free and open to the public
8:00 p.m.-10:00p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Placentia Library celebrates Cèsar Chàvez with “The Stories of Cèsar Chàvez” presented by the award winning, solo performer Fred Blanco. This bilingual piece offers a dramatic look at the California farmworkers struggle of the 1960’s. Parental discretion is advised due to subject matter and language. Refreshments will be provided by Rubalcava’s Panaderìa y Taquerìa.
Watanabe Center @ Torch Middle School
751 Vineland Avenue
Industry, CA 91746
Free and open to the public
Thursday, March 31, 2011 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Honoring Cesar Chavez and local heroes. Free community dinner. Folklorico dancing, mariarchi, and poetry by students.
St. John the Baptist Parish Hall
3883 Baldwin Park Blvd.
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Free and open to the public
Friday, April 1, 2011 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
This year’s Cesar E. Chavez Interfaith Breakfast main speakers are United Farmworkers President Arturo Rodriguez and musician Francisco Herrera. Donation is $20.00 contribution or $300 table for 8 with recognition for your organization. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
UC Riverside
900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521
Free and open to the public
Saturday, April 2, 2011 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
10th Annual Cesar E. Chavez 5k Run/Walk. Registration for the race will begin at 7:30am; opening ceremony will be at 8:00am. The day’s event will include an educational component, vendors, informational booths and music. Through this event, we will raise critically needed resources for student scholarships at UC Riverside and for Riverside area youth programs. This event is also being held in conjunction with California’s designated César E. Chávez Day of Service and Learning
