Fresno State to Honor César Chávez with Peace Garden Ceremony Friday

Chávez's son-in-law David Villarino Gonzalez delivered the keynote address Friday at Fresno State's annual César E. Chávez commemoration, held at the campus Peace Garden from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, organized by the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and Latino/a Programs and Services at the Cross Cultural and Gender Center, drew the campus community together to mark the legacy of the labor organizer who founded the United Farm Workers Association in 1962.

The Peace Garden, located near the César Chávez statue on campus, served as the backdrop for cultural performances, a resource fair featuring more than 25 organizations tabling along the garden's perimeter, and a closing ceremony in which participants placed flowers at the base of the Chávez statue. Groups including Danza de Los Diablos, Los Danzantes de Aztlán, and the Fresno State Mariachi have performed at past commemorations, with Sudarshan Kapoor, the garden's founder and a professor emeritus in the Department of Social Work Education, among those who have spoken at the annual event alongside Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.

Planning for the commemoration began well before the spring semester. Jose Mundo, an academic advisor for CAMP, described the months of preparation that go into securing the space and coordinating the program. "We made the reservation for the Peace Garden back in November, and ever since January kicked in we started doing everything that needs to come through," Mundo said.

For students and campus organizations, the gathering carries weight beyond a single afternoon. Gabriel Perez, a member of Beta Gamma Nu Fraternity Inc., who tabled at a recent commemoration for the fraternity's philanthropic arm "Heart of the U.S.A.," which advocates for farmworkers and migrants, put it plainly. "It's very meaningful seeing Fresno State hosting an event such as this," Perez said. "It's just very impactful seeing all the students come out [and] learn about our culture… and just celebrating Cesar Chavez's life and what he was able to accomplish."

CAMP provided complimentary paletas while supplies lasted. The event was free and open to the campus community. Those seeking more information can contact the College Assistance Migrant Program at 559.278.4768, or reach the Cross Cultural and Gender Center for accommodations at 559.278.4435 or ccgclatino.a@mail.fresnostate.edu.