Students, local groups honor Chavez's birthday

By Jeffrey Norton
Daily Texan Staff

In honor of labor activist Cesar Chavez's March 31 birthday, several Austin groups held celebrations commemorating his life and achievements.

Chavez, who died in April 1993, formed the United Farm Workers Union in response to the poor conditions of migrant workers in the San Joaquin Valley of California in the years following the Great Depression. On Sept. 18, 1997, LIFE Magazine inducted Chavez into its Hall of Heroes, calling him "the Ghandi of the fields."

The UT Mexican American Cultural Committee held a celebration in the Texas Union Theater Friday.

Lucio Del Toro, a government junior and committee member, said all Chicanos should learn from Chavez's bravery and sacrifice.

"It's important for the Chicanos both on the UT campus and within the community to recognize contributions made by those before us in order to improve our lives," Del Toro said. "And Cesar Chavez is the best to exemplify how one can sacrifice and give his life to a cause greater than himself."

Ana Amezcua, committee co-chair, said knowing about the past is essential for understanding the present.

"I think commemorating Cesar Chavez is a really important contribution," said Amezcua, a psychology junior. "You need to know your place in history to know your place in society."

The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas held a birthday celebration for Chavez Saturday at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe. Marti Cascio, chair of the HWNT, said many should celebrate Chavez's life.

"We are here to celebrate the life of Cesar Chavez," Cascio said. "Not just for Hispanics, but for all minimum wage workers. "

Throughout the evening, people listened to traditional Mexican music and ate birthday cake. Winners of a middle school essay contest about the life of Cesar Chavez read their essays to the audience.

Amit Nihalani, a finance senior, said such events are important for everybody.

"I think it's really important to recognize the contribution of a man like Cesar Chavez, " Nihalani said. "I think he should have his own holiday."