Tribute to Cesar Chavez

March 30, 2001

Tribute to Cesar Chavez. The Rhode Island State House hosted for a second consecutive time, an anual ceremony to remember his cause. Guests included the Lt. Governor of RI, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, Local Mayors, the Mexican Consulate, as well as many State Representatives and local Hispanic community leaders.

The purpose of this celebration is to honor the life and legacy which Cesar Chavez has left behind, not only for the farm workers in the United States, but to all those who believe in the non-violent struggle for civil rights and human dignity.

Cesar Chavez, of humble origins, and of Mexican parentage, was born in Yuma, Arizona and was raised in the midst of the farms which many Mexicans tilled and worked for in bringing agricultural products to our tables. Chavez was known for his keen leadership style, his non-violent
stance, and for his constant struggle to protect the rights of farm workers in California and throughout the United States. Between 1952 and 1962, Chavez worked for the Organization of Community Services, a group that would
later establish the farm workers' union. In 1966, Chavez was named the President of the United Farm Workers after its bylaws were approved by the AFL-CIO.

Chavez represents for many people, the role model of humble and at the same time powerful convictions. His boycotts of grapes and othe products raised consciousness about the life and struggles of farm workers, their needs and desires for a quality of life and education. His motto, "it can be done," is a reflection of this commitment.

It is in this vein, that we will continue to participate in honoring one of the more significant role models in the Latino community and to recognize the breadth of his experiences and the wealth of his impact on new
generations.

Please join me and others in recognizing the life of a unique and enduring community organizer and contributor to the American landscape.

SI SE PUEDE.

The Cesar Chavez tribute has been made possible thanks to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island Lincoln Almond.

We hope to update this page often with new photos.