POMONA – Anthony Chavez, grandson of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, was one of three people recognized for their commitment to serving others during Thursday’s seventh annual Cesar E. Chavez Breakfast.

About 250 people gathered at the Avalon on the grounds of Fairplex for the event sponsored by the Latina and Latino Roundtable of the San Gabriel Valley and Pomona Valley, and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire Chapter.

Chavez said words like "si se puede" – "yes we can" – are "a reminder that each of us is the keeper of my grandfather’s legacy."

Anthony Chavez is the son of Paul Chavez who was the middle son of the late civil rights leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union.

Part of Chavez’s work involves speaking to student and community groups on behalf of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, created to continue Cesar Chavez’s work, according to event organizers.

In addition, Chavez works with young people to spread the word of the importance of service learning and giving of one’s self to others.

After the event the young Chavez said his grandfather carried out his work for the benefit of others with the help of many people.

In order to tackle any of the many problems affecting society, people must give of themselves to find solutions.

"We all have a stake in this and we all have individual responsibility," the young Chavez said.

Roundtable President Jose Calderon said the breakfast is part of an effort to bring people of all walks of life together, unified by a commitment to make positive change in society without the use of violence, something that Cesar Chavez believed in strongly.

The event also highlights another part of Cesar Chavez’s legacy – service to others.

The honorees are people who are involved at the grassroots level building communities and assisting people facing great challenges, Calderon said.

Attorney Russell Jauregui was recognized for his tireless efforts in support of undocumented students pursuing a college education, serving as a legal coordinator and observer at marches and picket lines, and in voter rights and registration efforts. His work has benefited people in both Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

Jauregui said the people he works with inspire him.

That includes young illegal immigrants who came into the country as children and are now attending college. They are seeking passage of federal legislation, referred to as the Dream Act, that would put them on a path to citizenship if they meet certain requirements.

Garey High School teacher Debbie LeAnce was recognized for her work in several areas including her commitment to students as an educator, for her work with day laborers and for efforts investigating and documenting abuses against undocumented immigrants.

She works in both Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

     
monica.rodriguez@inlandnewspapers.com

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