Over 100 UCSD students, staff and members of the local community gathered for a celebration honoring Cesar E. Chavez, featuring California State Senator Richard Polanco, which was held in the Warren Amphitheater on April 4.
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Polanco was responsible for authoring the measure that recently designated Chavez’s birthday, March 31, as a state holiday.
“”Richard accomplished something many of us didn’t think that we could accomplish,”” said Chancellor Robert C. Dynes in his address to the crowd.
Earl Warren College freshman Emily Rich was excited about listening to the state senator speak.
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“”I’m here because I love the Latino culture,”” Rich said. “”But mostly I’m interested in listening to the Senator … He made the [Cesar Chavez] holiday happen. I think that’s really cool.””
This is the third consecutive year UCSD has held a celebration for Chavez’s birthday.
Chavez founded and led the first successful farm workers’ union in U.S. history. He led numerous peaceful demonstrations, including the nationwide boycott of grapes and many long fasts and marches.
“”[He was] a voice for the voiceless,”” said Polanco in his speech. “”He was a hero not just to the Latino community, but to all people that believe in dignity, respect and human rights.””
“”Viva Cesar Chavez!”” Polanco then cried out three times, to the resulting cheers of the crowd.
The event was sponsored by the UCSD Cesar E. Chavez Celebration Planning Committee, the UCSD Chicano/Latino Staff Association and Earl Warren College.
Those celebrating sat on the amphitheater steps amidst numerous red and black balloons, eating tamales and enchiladas from nearby Canyon Vista. They listened to a performance from a Latino chorus, who were draped in colorful ponchos and guitars. They watched UCSD student group La Joya de Mexico Ballet Folklorico dance in their flower-like costumes. The crowd even rose together to sing.
One of the many students singing along was Chris Hiestand, an Eleanor Roosevelt College junior.
“”I’m having a good time,”” Hiestand said. “”But why I’m here — in my high school AP U.S. History class, I never learned about Chavez. I’m here to find out more about him.””
One of the first speakers was Elsa Sevilla, a freelance journalist involved with many popular news shows, such as “”America’s Most Wanted”” and “”Good Morning America.”” She began her speech with a moment of silence to honor the U.S. troops in Iraq.
“”These festivities honor a great man,”” Sevilla said.
The onlooking crowd flocked to a photo exhibition at the front of the amphitheater after the speakers were finished. Tables and easels held a number of large black-and-white prints depicting the landmarks of Chavez’s life by photographers Juan Lopez and Carlos LeGerrette, who were present at the celebration.
The festival also honored the independent civil rights workers LeGerrette and his wife, Linda, with the UCSD Cesar E. Chavez award. The two have accomplished many things in “”the struggle of justice,”” including serving on several diverse boards and establishing Cesar Chavez programs in schools.
Polanco urges that the new holiday is not about a day of rest.
“”[The holiday] should always remind us of the work of farmworkers and other working men and women,”” Polanco said. “”[It will] honor the contribution farmworkers have given from the beginning of time to the present — the food that nourishes us and our children. My hope is that through the observance of the holiday all children can learn from Cesar Chavez the value of serving others.””
