In Chavez’s honor
The five-panel mural depicts Chavez in his Navy uniform, working in the fields, fasting and with the United Farm Workers symbol behind him.
About 20 students participated in the art project, which will be on display at Pomona’s Cesar Chavez Park, 2720 Barjud Ave., where the sixth annual Cesar Chavez Pilgrimage will conclude Saturday. A celebration is scheduled.
The project was a way for the students to express themselves and honor Chavez, said Anaid Ramirez, a junior at Garey.
Chavez "was a great example for youth and for everyone," Anaid said. "We knew Cesar Chavez was a big guy (in history). We look up to him."
Hervey Gallegos, 19, a senior at Garey, said he sees the mural as a tribute to Chavez and all immigrants.
"This goes out to all immigrants, not just Mexicans," he said. "They need help. Some are treated unfairly."
The project was one of several things going on Monday at Garey High School, all of them meant to remember Chavez and instill in students some of the things he valued, including service to others and education.
Paul Knopf, Pomona Unified School District’s service learning coordinator, said students at the school launched a canned food drive, with proceeds going to help provide food for those in need.
A workshop on college information, interview skills and resume building also was offered.
Knopf worked with the art students, offering a lecture on Chavez as part of the preparation for their project.
That led to students carrying out more research before they began work on the mural, said Christina Longstaffe, the students’ art teacher.
Saturday’s event at the park is being organized by the Latino and Latina Roundtable of Pomona and San Gabriel Valleys, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire Chapter, the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center and the Campus Life Committee of Pitzer College.
It begins with a gathering at 9:30 a.m. at Pomona City Hall, 505 S. Garey Ave., said Jose Calderon, president of the Roundtable and a professor at Pitzer College.
Among those taking part in the walk and speaking at the park will be Cesar Chavez’s son, Paul, head of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.
The pilgrimage will send a message about the need to put gang violence aside, build relationships with people of all cultures and nationalities, and work for the benefit of the community, Calderon said.
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