If you had asked computer security and forensics major Brandi Simpson who César Chávez was before she attended a lecture last week, she would have said she had no idea.

"I really admire that," said Simpson, a first-year student at Chemeketa Community College.

The lecture at the Chemeketa Multiculture Center was part of a birthday celebration honoring Chávez on March 31.

Speeches, discussions, a PowerPoint presentation, booths, food and an art contest with 32 pieces were part of the festivities.

Displayed on a wooden easel, Roberto Oran’s artwork featured a parade of symbols.

The pen drawing includes a kite, which represents freedom and liberty; an white eagle signifying the future; a black eagle for the fight for farmworker rights; a tree that symbolizes the place where farmworkers seek relief from the sun; a hand that represents farmworkers tending the Earth and a penny that signifies their labor.

"I express my respect for César Chávez through my drawings," said Oran, a former Chemeketa Community College student. "He is a role model for me."

Oran’s artwork garnered an honorable mention.

Known as a leader and humanitarian, Chávez is credited with championing the struggles of farm workers throughout the nation.

In 1962, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in California, which later became the United Farm Workers of America.

"This celebration brings attention to a farmworker who deserves recognition, a man who fought for worker rights," said Bart Marquiz, who heads up Chemeketa’s federal TRIO Talent Search Program, which helps low-income middle and high school students access higher education.

Marion County Environmental Services division manager Jeff Bickford, attended the event.

"Even though he’s passed away, his legacy lends support to individuals to continue his work to improve worker conditions," Bickford said. "Not just for farmworkers but for workers everywhere."

Chávez died April 23, 1993.

Last week’s celebration was the first one held at the Chemeketa Multiculture Center.

The idea was the brainchild of Kate Gibson, an AmeriCorp Vista volunteer with the MERIT program at Chemeketa’s Small Business Developmental Center.

"I thought there was a need in the community to have a César Chávez event in Salem," Gibson said. "I’m very impressed with all the artwork that was submitted to the contest. Some of the children are so talented."