Cesar Chavez’s legacy to be celebrated in Merced County events
The legacy of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez will be celebrated through a number of upcoming events planned in Merced County.
Chavez, who helped establish the United Farm Workers union, is known for his efforts in improving the working conditions of farmworkers. Chavez and his family traveled through California, including various Central Valley areas, following crop harvests before forming the UFW.
Merced
On Saturday, a march in honor of Chavez will take place for first the time in Merced.
The march will start at 11 a.m. at the intersection of M and 16th streets, and continue into south Merced to the McNamara Park Youth Center, 1040 Canal St.
Organizers have said the march is a way to recognize and continue the efforts of Chavez, especially at this time when advocates are pushing for legislation changes that would allow undocumented farmworkers to sign up for health care.
Speakers, music and children’s activities are among the events scheduled there from noon to 3 p.m.
Livingston
Livingston, a town that Chavez visited several times, will also pay tribute to him Tuesday, on what would of been his 88th birthday.
His brother, Librado Chavez Jr., is set to visit elementary schools in town and participate in a fundraiser to benefit the Livingston Police Foundation.
Chavez Jr., 80 and the youngest of seven, will speak to students about his brother’s legacy and about the farmworkers’ struggle in that era. Chavez Jr.’s wife and daughter will also be present.
The celebrations begin at 8 a.m. at Campus Park Elementary, 1845 H St., where children and families can join in planting flowers around the city.
Chavez Jr. is also set to participate in a fundraiser planned for 4 to 6 p.m. at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C St., organizers said. The fundraising will support the Livingston Police Department’s K-9 unit, according to police Chief Ruben Chavez.
Planada
A movie screening, dinner and question-and-answer session with members of the Chavez family will take place Tuesday at Cesar Chavez Middle School, 161 Plainsburg Road in Planada.
The event will kick off with dinner and carnival games at 5 p.m., and continue with a screening of the 2014 movie “Cesar Chavez.” Attendees will hear from members of the Chavez family as well as members of Dolores Huerta’s family. Huerta is a labor leader and civil rights activist who marched and worked alongside Chavez.
Actor Eli Vargas, who played Fernando, Chavez’s son in the film, will also be present at the Planada event that will include mariachi performances and folklorico dancing. People can purchase $5 meal tickets for the event at Le Grand High, Planada Elementary and Cesar E. Chavez Middle School.
This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Cesar Chavez’s legacy to be celebrated in Merced County events."