Chavez center features food, entertainment in annual celebration
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March 19, 2008
A series of free events will take place next week to commemorate Cesar Chavez, a celebrated Mexican-American activist.
Most events will be at the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, 1410 20th St. on the University of Northern Colorado campus in Greeley.
“Mostly it’s an opportunity to bring awareness of his life and the cause of Latinos in the U.S.,” said Trish Escobar, the center’s interim director.
Chavez died in 1993, but his March 31 birthday is celebrated as a holiday in four U.S. states, including Colorado.
During this year’s week-long celebration, a group of University of Northern Colorado students are fasting in honor of families affected by the December 2006 Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant in Greeley.
Escobar said 16 students signed up to fast for various lengths of time next week. They will collect pledges from campus and community members.
“We are hoping to help support the families in more of a financial way,” Escobar said. Families affected by the raids have been primarily receiving help from the Al Frente de Lucha center in Greeley.
Following is a schedule of events. All events are free and open to the public:
Monday — Kick-off event at Lindou Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday — Art exhibit at the cultural center, featuring work by muralist Frank Garza, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday — Women of the World potluck featuring Latina women at the Women’s Resource Center at 6 p.m. due to the religious believes of some women who will be at the event, it is asked that no males over age 10 attend the event.
Thursday — Taste of the World, sponsored by the Summit Organizing Committee, from 5 to 8 p.m. at McCowen Hall.
Friday — “Carne Asada” Day, a barbecue hosted by Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center.