“The legacy of the United Farm Workers union in its first decade provides us with key lessons for the present and future. It reminds us that grass-roots power organized and deployed by ‘disposable’ workers, fearlessness in the face of corporate exploitation, and the political uses of music, theater, and ritual can change history. In 2015, in a society based on greed and personal ambition, we ignore these lessons at own peril.” –Jorge Mariscal, Professor, UC San Diego

While Monday, March 31st is the official César E. Chávez day, activities celebrating his legacy as a labor and civil rights leader will continue into May. The day is commemorated to promote service to the community in honor of his life and work. The ongoing activities are about continuing that legacy.

Thanks to the UCSD Blink, produced by the faculty and staff of that fine institution, for providing us with a list of activities over the next six weeks honoring the life and achievements of César E. Chávez.

César E. Chávez Commemoration Community Breakfast

Monday, March 30 | 7:30 a.m. (doors open at 6:30 a.m.) | Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Join the San Diego César E. Chávez Commemoration Committee at their annual community breakfast honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Delano Grape Strike. $50/ ticket – $500/ table.

More information.

César E. Chávez Celebration Kickoff Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, April 1 | 11:30 a.m. | Price Center Ballroom East

UC San Diego’s opening event includes awards honoring individuals for furthering César E. Chávez’s ideals in their communities including this year’s UCSD undergraduate essay contest winners. Featuring keynote speaker Lalo Alcaraz, a Mexican-American cartoonist. He is most well known for being the author of the comic “La Cucaracha,” the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily comic strip.

Contact chanintern@ucsd.edu for more information.

The UC San Diego César E. Chávez Month Celebration Committee Presents An evening with Lalo Alcaraz

Wednesday, April 1 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | The Loft

Lalo Alcaraz is a prolific editorial cartoonist and is the creator of the controversial nationally syndicated daily comic strip “La Cucaracha.” Lalo is currently a producer and writer on Seth MacFarlane’s upcoming animated Fox program “Bordertown.” Lalo’s recent books include “A Most Imperfect Union: A Contrarian History of the United States” with Ilan Stavans (2014 Perseus Books) and “Latino USA: A Cartoon History, 15th Anniversary Edition” (2012 by Basic Books). He heads the satirical website Pocho.com and co-hosts KPFK Radio’s satirical talk show “The Pocho Hour of Power.”

Contact aorozco@ucsd.edu for more information.

Telling our Stories: Capturing Activism and Revolution on Screen (Day 1)

Wednesday, April 8 | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Raza Resource Centro, Lobby

This program will showcase past and current documentary work by award winning film director Ray Telles. In order to represent the Raza community in an equitable way, Ray will address the role of a Chicana/o film maker in producing how events are narrated, remembered, and placed in conversation with Chicana/o history. Day one of the program will begin with examining parts of Ray’s latest documentaries to build a conversation around the role of camera work, representation, setting, and gaps in history.

Contact raza@ucsd.edu for more information.

Telling our Stories: Fight in the Fields (Day 2)

Thursday, April 9 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Raza Resource Centro, Lobby

Day two will culminate with the screening of “Fight in the Fields” and address the United Farm Workers movement, representation of César E. Chávez, and how the past is framed.

Contact raza@ucsd.edu for more information.

11th Annual Zapata March

Saturday, April 11 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Chicano Park

The Zapata March is an annual march organized by local youth organizations in San Diego. It takes place every year at 10 a.m. at Chicano Park. This year the theme of the march is “What’s Next?” The theme tackles issues of higher education accessibility, the end to state terrorism and universal human rights for immigrants.

Contact rodriguezmayra619@yahoo.com for more information.

Teatro Izcalli – 20 Years of Chicano/a Resistance

Monday, April 13 | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Cross Cultural Center, Communidad Room

Join the MECh@ meeting for a special performance by Teatro Izcalli followed by a discussion with Macedonio Arteaga, UCSD Alum, on the origins of Teatro Izcalli and 20 years of performances nationwide.

Contact K2garcia@ucsd.edu for more information.

Working for Cultural Transformation

Monday, April 20 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Raza Resource Centro conference room

UCSD alumni discuss how cultural identity is an asset for community organizing, and how UCSD prepares graduates for leadership in community transformation and social justice campaigns.

Contact sezarate@ucsd.edu for more information.

Performance of Placas: The Most Dangerous Tattoo

Tuesday, April 21 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Visual Arts @ SME Performance Space, Room 149

An excerpt from the critically acclaimed play by UCSD Writing/ Literature alum Paul S. Flores about transnational gangs, tattoo removal and healing. Followed by a discussion with cast and gang peacemaker Alex Sanchez.

Contact sezarate@ucsd.edu for more information.

Never Before Seen Footage: “César’s Last Fast” and Q&A with LeRoy Chatfield

Wednesday, April 22 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Institute of the Americas, Copley Conference Room

Special screening of never before seen footage of “César’s Last Fast.” LeRoy Chatfield, close advisor to César E. Chávez for many years and a consultant to the documentary, will be doing a Q&A after a short screening of this rare footage. Hear him speak personally on his time working with the United Farm Workers and César E. Chávez. Light refreshments provided. Free and open to public.

Contact hcervantes@ucsd.edu for more information.

45th Chicano Park Day

Saturday, April 25 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Chicano Park, Barrio Logan

Be a part of communities coming together! Catch a free ride to the 45th annual Chicano Park Day celebration. Experience traditional music, dance, live bands, food, and arts and craft vendors.  Free transportation and lunch at Las Cuatro Milpas restaurant.

Contact Marcia Strong to reserve your spot.

The Invisible Farm Workers of Fallbrook

Monday, April 27 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | UCSD School of Medicine, Leichtag Building – Room 107

Join the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and Border Health Project for community health fairs, a documentary and photo display, and a discussion of Fallbrook farmworkers.

Contact k2garica@ucsd.edu for more information.

Community Engagement and Service Learning Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, April 29 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Raza Resource Centro

The RAZA RC hosts the Community Engagement/ Service Learning Awards to highlight the contributions of individuals and organizations in strengthening community through interconnecting academics, service, learning, and leadership. The awards will honor people and organizations who have shown examples of civic-minded practices and have developed solutions in the community to advance social progress.

Contact margarita.lozano23@gmail.com for more information.

Raza Awareness Week

May 4 – 8 | All Day

A week-long series of events on behalf of students interested in highlighting social justice, cultural heritage, and contemporary Latin@ issues.

Contact J1soto@ucsd.edu for more information.

United Farm Workers Movement 101

Wednesday, May 6 | 12 noon – 1 p.m. | Cross Cultural Center, Comunidad Room

An overview of the cross-cultural moments of solidarity especially among Filipino and Latino laborers. Presented by the Cross-Cultural Center Social Justice Education Team.

Contact nmagpusao@ucsd.edu for more information.

“Real Women Have Curves” film screening

Thursday, May 7 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Cross Cultural Center, Comunidad Room

After the screening of the film “Real Women Have Curves,” students may ask questions of playwright Josefina Lopez, who authored the original play “Real Women Have Curves.” Talk about the film and engage in critical dialogue about the issues of body, gender, sexuality, Chican@/Latin@, and education. Free Event.

Contact eluribe@ucsd.edu for more information.