News Release

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March 23, 2005

Cultural Center Celebrates Farm Worker Awareness Week

The Boise State University Cultural Center will hold events for Cesar Chavez Farm Worker Awareness Week, March 28-April 1.

Chavez, a former farm worker, rose to prominence in the 1960s and ’70s as he lobbied for better labor conditions and pay for farm workers. He eventually established the United Farm Workers Union. He died in 1993; March 31 would have been his 78th birthday.

Farm Worker Awareness Week events are co-sponsored by Associated Students of Boise State University. All of the events are free.

• Photo exhibit, noon March 28 at the Student Union Brava Stage.
“The Great Awakening,” an exhibit by photographer Claudio Beagarie that chronicles the rise of the Huelga movement, will be on display. You also can see “El Campo,” photos of a labor camp in Weiser, by Jesus Gonzalez. A reception and refreshments will follow the unveiling of the exhibit.

• “The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’ Struggle,” 6 p.m. March 29 in the Student Union Cultural Center.
This film is a biography of Cesar Chavez and the agricultural labor movement.

• Guerrilla street theater, noon, March 30 on the Quad.
Students will perform “Farm Worker Awareness” to call attention to farm worker issues.

• Happy Birthday Cesar Chavez!, noon, March 31, at the Student Union Patio.
Celebrate Cesar Chavez’s birthday with cake, speeches and music.

• Speak Up Forum, 6 p.m. in the Student Union Hatch Ballroom.
Join former farm workers for a panel discussion, “From Fields to the Classroom.” The panel will include Judge Sergio Gutierrez, who recently won the Boise State University Silver Medallion. The panelists will discuss how they overcame obstacles to obtain educations.

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Contact: Ro Parker, Cultural Center, 426-4317, rparker1@boisestate.edu

Media contact: Julie Hahn, University Relations, 426-5540, juliehahn@boisestate.edu

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Last reviewed on Thursday, December 22, 2005