Camarillo, Calif., March 12, 2013 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to join in a weeklong celebration honoring the late labor leader and civil rights activist César Chávez. A series of events are planned on the CI campus and at Café on A in Oxnard throughout the week of March 25, leading up to César Chávez Day on the 31st.

The events are intended to engage students, faculty, staff and community members in a shared celebration of Chávez’s life, legacy and core values. Throughout the week, CI students will also participate in activities promoting service, advocacy and volunteerism.

A detailed listing of free, public events is provided below.

César E. Chávez: A Legacy of Service: Photo and Art Exhibit Opening and Reception

Wednesday, March 27, 5 – 7:30 p.m., John Spoor Broome Library, CI campus

Join us for the debut of two exhibits that pay powerful tribute to the memory of César Chávez. Photojournalist Jess Gutierrez has captured the spirit of Ventura County farmworker communities for over three decades. Artist Xico González honors labor leaders of the United Farm Workers movement in celebration of the 50th Anniversary. The event will include a 6 p.m. panel discussion moderated by Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union with César Chávez. A reception will follow at 7 p.m. Limited complimentary campus parking will be available. Follow signs to event parking. Please RSVP to the exhibit opening at: https://csuci.wufoo.com/forms/r6r2q7/. For more information, contact Dr. Frank Barajas at frank.barajas@csuci.edu.

Revoltoso: The Art of Xico González

Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m., Café on A, 438 South A Street, Oxnard

Brash, evocative, and never shy, Xico González’s "Revoltoso" features silkscreen posters created in support of numerous political causes, but mainly the fight for immigrants’ rights. His art overturns conventional thought and popular images to make his audience react in visceral ways. An activist/organizer as well as an artist, González uses his artistic skills to benefit his community and contribute to the long dialogue of art, activism and the legacy of the Chicano Art Movement.

Rhyme for a Reason II: Social Justice Poetry Slam

Thursday, March 28, 8 p.m., Café on A, 438 South A Street, Oxnard

Nationally recognized, award-winning Chicano poet, author and playwright Paul Flores is coming to Oxnard to speak his rhyme. A past performer on HBO’s Def Poetry Jams, Flores weaves spoken word, theater and hip-hop around issues of social justice.

This weeklong celebration is made possible by CI’s Centers for Community and Multicultural Engagement; the Chicana/o Studies, Communication, and History programs; the John Spoor Broome Library; Project ISLAS; Instructionally Related Activities funds; Laborers’ International Union of North America-LIUNA-Local 585, Ventura; Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina; Xavier Montes; and Marie Gregorio-Oviedo.

For more information, please contact Pilar Pacheco, Associate Director, Center for Community Engagement, at pilar.pacheco@csuci.edu or 805-437-8851.