Maryville College to honor late Hispanic labor organizer
From Maryville College
Maryville College will celebrate the birthday of Hispanic civil rights leader Cesar Chavez with a presentation by members of Chavez’s family.
Julz and Cassandra Chavez will talk about the family and offer personal insight into Cesar Chavez, his brothers and sisters and the founding of the Farmworkers Union.
The event, hosted by the MC Spanish Club, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Fayerweather Hall’s Lawson Auditorium.
Chavez, who would have been 84 years old this month, was a Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist who founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. His work led to numerous improvements for union laborers.
“Cassandra and Julz have the unique perspective of those who have close ties to the Chavez family, many of whom have worked to carry on Cesar’s legacy,” said Alan Watts, instructor of Spanish at MC. “It’s an opportunity for the college to celebrate a tremendously important figure in the American labor rights movement, whose work has become even more relevant in the years since his death.”
Julz Chavez, founder and principal of Chayo Productions in Los Angeles, is the “keeper of the family history” and has worked with Cesar Chavez’s brother, Richard Chavez, to write a book and preserve the family legacy through Cesar Chavez’s foundation.
She is currently working on “Labor of Love,” the biopic miniseries about her family’s legacy and Cesar Chavez. During the presentation, she will share information about the family history. She will also show a short video, which includes some early footage.
Cassandra Chavez, who divides her time between Maryville and New York, is a graphic designer, art director and marketing professional who also teaches design. She married into the Chavez family; her former father-in-law and Cesar Chavez were cousins and grew up together.
She also worked with Julz Chavez on the design and publication of “Our Story”, a book about the Chavez family history. The book was launched as a part of the Chavez family reunion, which took place last October at the National Chavez Center in Keene, Calif.
“I think the Cesar Chavez event is important because it brings new perspectives to our college community and gives an opportunity for the local community to be involved in Maryville College’s commitment to diversity in learning,” said Miranda Clower, MC sophomore and president of the MC Spanish Club.
Cake and refreshments will be served following the presentation. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the event, contact Watts at 865-273-8878 or alan.watts@maryvillecollege.edu.