GVSU events will honor César Chávez

A week full of events will take place at Grand Valley State University March 24-31 to honor César E. Chávez, a Mexican-American farmworker and civil rights activist.

Events at Grand Valley are free and open to the public. 
- The Life and Legacy of César E. Chávez, March 24, noon-1:30 p.m., room 2263, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus. Participants will learn about the life of Chávez, who co-founded United Farm Workers.

- “César Chávez” film showing and discussion, March 28, 6:30 p.m., Celebration Cinema, Rivertown Crossings Mall, Grandville.

- Day of Service, March 29, 9:30 a.m., Allendale Campus. A group of student volunteers will organize and package donated clothes and items that will benefit migrant workers in Holland.

- Young Lords in Lincoln Park, March 31, 4-5 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library, Multipurpose Room, Allendale Campus. José Jiménez, founder of the Young Lords Movement, will discuss the national grassroots movement for Puerto Rican and Latino community empowerment. Grand Valley students and faculty members have worked with Jiménez to document the history of the movement.

The food and clothing drive for local migrant farmworkers and their families goes until March 31. Non-perishable food, toiletries, women’s and men’s clothing, toys and books are needed. Items can be dropped off in Office of Multicultural Affairs at 1240 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus. 

“Cesar E. Chavez’s legacy is one of fighting and advocating for the farmworker community, so a drive is a great way to honor him,” said Allison Roman, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The events are sponsored by OMA with support from many other campus departments.

For more information, call (616) 331-2177.