Student group honors civil right advocate Cesar Chavez

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
March 12, 2009

In observance of Cesar Chavez Day, the Latino Student Association of Texas State University-San Marcos will host an honorary dinner to remember the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez, the founder of the United Farm Worker union, on Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center Ballroom 3-16.1 on campus.

This event will highlight triumphs of Chavez during his work with the UFW and his advocacy for the civil liberties of one of the most marginalized populations in our nation – farm workers.

“It’s a great way to acknowledge the potential one person can have when is comes to fighting for what you believe in,” said Abigail Moreno, a LSA member who is working to organize the event. “Cesar Chavez is a great example.”

A catered dinner will be served followed by a keynote speaker, community activist Jaime P. Martinez, who marched for justice alongside Cesar Chavez.

Martinez is the National LULAC Treasurer and Founder of the Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice. Like Chavez, Martinez has a distinguished history of working to serve under-represented and marginalized communities. Martinez has defended the rights of workers and marches for civil rights throughout America. He has worked with community leadership such as Rosa Parks and Rev. Ralph Abernathy, the former right-hand man of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martinez will speak from his experiences working as an activist and organizer to tell the story of the life of Chavez and why he is considered one of the twentieth century’s greatest Latino leaders.

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to LSA_txstate@yahoo.com. For additional information, contact Christina Zambrano at (210) 455-1403 or Paul Vega at (210) 618-4924.