I happen to live near César Chávez's birthplace but I wouldn't really be aware of his birthday today if it wasn't for an e-mail from the United Farm Workers:
Happy Cesar Chavez Day! Throughout his life, César inspired millions of people – from the fields and in the cities-- to commit themselves to the fight for social, economic, and civil rights. When he was once asked by a union member how he wanted to be remembered, Chávez replied, “If you want to remember me, organize!”
César knew as you and I do--there is still much to be done. The struggle for a contract with Giumarra (one of the largest producers of table grapes ), injustice in the wrongful death of farm worker Maria Isavel Vasquez Jimenez, and the continuing legislative attacks on immigrants, unions and the poor remind us of the challenges we face this very moment.
So today, we’re remembering César the way he wished us to--organizing everyone we know. Will you join us by donating your Facebook status in honor of César today?
It’s easy. Click here to ‘donate’ your Facebook status to César in honor of his March 31st birthday.
http://apps.facebook.com/...
Since I am a Facebook user donating a status is the least I can do to honor this legendary hero strangely and tellingly not remembered by many in his hometown.
http://en.wikipedia.org/...
I haven't told my better half yet but I also felt compelled to throw a little bit of end of quarter cash towards getting my hero Congressman Grijalva reelected:
http://www.standwithraul.com/
I'm going to be taking my family to the Yuma County Fair today. I sure hope to be proven wrong and see some sort of remembrance of their own famous son who led the struggle for dignity and decency in the fields where the food comes from.
