Saturday’s Volunteering Event at Shalom Community Center to Commemorate César E. Chávez

Bloomington, Ind. - The Hispanic/Latino community and its allies will recognize American hero César E. Chávez by volunteering at the Shalom Community Center (620 S. Walnut) on Saturday, March 30 from 10:00am-2:00pm.  

César E. Chávez, a first-generation American civil rights activist, stood for equality, justice and dignity for all Americans. Chávez co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) union in 1962 to protect, empower and serve farmers facing poverty, demanding they strictly adhere to a pledge of nonviolence.  

“Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures’; this is my favorite quote of César E. Chávez. I met him a couple of times,” said Dr. Carlos Bakota, Hoosier Action member and La Escuelita Para Todos volunteer. “He was concerned about poor people, not only la Raza, but everyone. His view in America was broader, he spoke to all the problems, the underclass in the United States and founded UFW, addressing issues of no access to health, housing, safety, and low wages. He fully understood the importance of culture and knew that culture can be served to positively motivate other people.”

For more information about participating in the volunteering event, please contact Josefa Luce at 812-349-3860 or email latinoprograms@bloomington.in.gov.


###