Colorado State University Celebrates Cesar Chavez March 26-31

Colorado State University’s annual Cesar Chavez celebration kicks off on March 26 with a theme of “Common People, Uncommon Vision: Cesar Chavez and 50 Years of the UFW” to honor Chavez’s grass-roots approach to improving union workers rights.

“Each and every one of us as common people have the power to positively impact those around us – that is what Chavez’s message means today,” said Rich Salas, associate director of El Centro and Greek Life at Colorado State. “This year’s celebration, ‘Common People, Uncommon Vision,’ is focused on that message.”

Celebrations begin Monday, March 26, with the “Dennis Febo Lecture: The Evolution of Revolution” at 6 p.m. in Clark A102. The workshop will inform participants about historical movements and revolutions within the Americas that have brought people together for a cause and realizing goals through organization and self-discipline.

On Tuesday, March 27, Fort Collins and campus community members are invited to the Lory Student Center East Ballroom for “Papi, Me, & Cesar Chavez,” a live performance by Su Teatro that chronicles the United Farm Workers march from Delano to Sacramento, Calif.

On Wednesday, March 28, a free concert featuring Tish Hinojosa begins at 7 p.m. in the Lory Student Center East Ballroom. Hinojosa, a folk singer and daughter of Mexican immigrants from San Antonio, Texas, incorporates her Hispanic roots to create her own personal sound. Hinojosa won the NAIRD Indie Folk Album of the Year in 1992 for her album, “Culture Swing,” and has charted twice on the Billboard country charts.

On March 29, the annual Cesar Chavez Community Celebration and High School Awards will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Ballroom on campus. The night will consist of food, awards and entertainment including a performance by Hinojosa.

The celebration will conclude March 31 with two events: an exhibition of Mexican Prints from the Calle Collection: The Taller de Grafica Popular and Graphic Commitment from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St.; and Voices of Empowerment from the Community from 3-4:30 p.m. at the El Museo de las Tres Colonias at 425 10th St. in Fort Collins.

The exhibition will showcase 50 works by artists associated with the Taller de Grafica Popular. The Voices of Empowerment from the Community event is an open house for the Museo that will give visitors the opportunity to hear personal stories from people associated with Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers.

All events are free and open to the public. Free parking is available after 4 p.m. in most A, Z and Lory Student Center metered lots. More information is available at www.fc-cesarchavez.org.
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