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| Cristina Barillas, Andrew Gasca, Rep. Hernandez, August Sallas, Ruben Almendarez, Sara Echevarria, Carlos Carrillo |
HISPANIC LABOR discussed with Rep. Hernandez the
enactment of an Illinois State Holiday honoring Cesar E. Chavez. The Chavez
Holiday Committee was formed consisting of myself, August Sallas, Chicago Typographical Union; Ruben Almendarez, IBEW Local 134; Cristina Barillas, Plumbers Local 130; Andrew Gasca, Bricklayers, Local 21; Sara Echevarria, Chicago Teachers Union and Carlos Carrillo, former Teamsters Local 703. Rep. Hernandez will
introduce a bill for the Chavez holiday as an "in school" holiday for
students to learn about the life and legacy of Chavez, and not a day off of
school.
THE COLLECTION of discarded keys to build a Chavez statue
was also discussed by Hispanic labor. More keys are needed and anyone who wants
to donate keys can call 312/286-3405
for pick-up.
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| Barack Obama |
"ONE OF our Nation's great civil rights leaders, Cesar Estrada Chavez came of age as a migrant farm worker, witnessing the injustice that pervaded fields and vineyards across California. Facing discrimination, poverty, and dangerous working conditions, laborers toiled for little pay and without access to even the most basic necessities. Yet amidst hardship and abuse, Cesar Chavez saw the promise of change--the unlimited potential of a community organized around a common purpose. Today, we celebrate his courage, reflect on his lifetime of advocacy, and recognize the power in each of us to life up lives and pursue social justice.
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| Cesar E. Chavez |
INSPIRED by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr., and
other visionary leaders, Cesar Chavez based his campaign on principles of
nonviolence, which he called "the quality of the heart." Through
boycotts, fasts, strikes, and matches that demanded both endurance and
imagination, he drew thousands together in support of "La Causa"--a
mission to ensure respect, dignity, and fair treatment for farm workers.
Alongside Dolores
Huerta, he
founded the United Farm Workers of America [UFW], an organization tasked with
defending and empowering the men and women who feed the world.
AS A TRIBUTE to Cesar Chavez's life and work, my
Administration designated the Forty Acres site in Delano, California, as a
National Historical Landmark last year, forever commemorating the birthplace of
the UFW. In May 2011, the United States Navy named the USNS Cesar Chavez in recognition of his service during World
War II. And this month, we honor ten Americans as Champions of Change for their
commitment to realizing Cesar Chavez's dream of a more just tomorrow. Decades
after his struggle began, Cesar Chavez's legacy lives on in all who draw
inspiration from the values of service, determination, and community that
ignited his movement.
ON THIS 85TH anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birth, we
are reminded of what we can accomplish when we recognize our common humanity.
He told us, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about
progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough
to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our
own." As we honor his broad ambitions and expansive vision, let us pledge
to stand forever on the side of equal opportunity and justice for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I,
BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,
do hereby proclaim March 31, 2012, as Cesar Chavez Day. I call upon all
Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and
education programs to honor Cesar Chavez's enduring legacy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of March, in the year
of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United State of
America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
/s/ BARACK OBAMA |
| Roberto Clemente |
A CELEBRATION: You are cordially invited to a Roberto Clemente reception hosted by the Roberto Clemente
Community Academy and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance [PRAA] at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the Roberto
Clemente Community Academy, 1147 N. Western Ave., Chicago. The event called, "Beyond Baseball. The Life of Roberto
Clemente", will feature Roberto Clemente Jr. and Luis R. Clemente; the sons of the legendary baseball player
Roberto Clemente. This celebration is a prelude to the upcoming PRAA
Smithsonian exhibit of Robert Clemente. Refreshments and appetizers will be
served. Please confirm your attendance by emailing: info@praachicago.org or
call 773/342-8865. Carlos
R. Hernandez is the Executive Director of PRAA Cultural Center.
THE LEGEND: Robert
Clemente Walker [1934-1972] was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico to Don Melchor Clemente and Luisa Walker. He was the youngest of
seven siblings. Roberto worked delivering milk cans because his family had
limited resources. He studied at Vizcarondo High School, a public school in
Carolina. Clemente showed interest in baseball early in his life and played
against neighboring barrios. He played in an amateur league at the age of
sixteen years old. On Nov. 14, 1964, Roberto married Vera Zabala at San Fernando Church in Carolina. They had three
children: Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto
and Enrique Roberto.
CLEMENTE was a baseball right fielder. He played
18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 through 1972. He was
awarded the National League [NL] Most Valuable Player [MVP] Award in 1966 and
was on the NL All-Star team 15 times. Clemente received 12 Gold Glove Awards,
and led the NL in batting average four times. In 1972, Clemente got his 3,000th
major league hit. In 1971, he received the Babe Ruth Award. His number 21 with
the Pittsburgh Pirates was retired in 1973, the same year he was the first
Latin American selected to the Hall of Fame.
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| A statue of Clemente stands outside PNC Park in Pittsburgh |
OFF THE FIELD, Clemente was involved in charity work in
Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries delivering baseball equipment
and food. He died in a plane crashed off the coast of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
on Sunday, December 31, 1972, delivering aid to earthquake victims in Managua,
Nicaragua. Clemente's body was never recovered.
A MARINE: In 1958-59, Clemente joined the United
States Marine Corps Reserve. He spent six months in active duty commitment at
Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. He served in
the Marine Corps Reserve until Sept. 1964.
HONORS: The Major League Baseball [MLB] presents
the Roberto Clemente Award every year to the player who best follows Clemente's
example with humanitarian work. In 1973, Clemente was awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal and the first Presidential Citizens Medal. In 2002, he was awarded
the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2003, he was inducted into the United
States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.
FREE
HAIRCUTS: This Saturday, April 7, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little
Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. the students from America Career Institute
will be giving free haircuts and manicures to LV residents.
HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!