[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY'S 10TH ANNUAL CESAR 
                               CHAVEZ DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 10, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th annual 
Cesar Chavez Day of Celebration at Eastern Michigan University. This 
annual observation allows for the recognition of the campus' diversity 
and the life of Mr. Chavez.
  Born in Arizona in 1927, Cesar Chavez was the child of hardworking 
Mexican American migrant laborers. He spent most of his early years in 
migrant camps with his parents, attending school sporadically and 
serving the United States for two years in the Navy. Once he returned, 
he joined together with Hispanic farmworkers in states including 
Arizona and California to bargain for better working conditions for 
American workers. Mr. Chavez's work as a leader of the movement 
implemented institutional change that would forever alter the American 
workplace. Changes included union recognition as well as the creation 
of the United Farm Workers of America, which remains a prominent union 
today. Cesar Chavez's lifetime of hard work inspired millions and 
opened the doors for workers across our nation.
  Since 2009, Eastern Michigan University has participated in a Cesar 
Chavez Day of Celebration, inviting local students, university faculty, 
and community members to commemorate his life's work and its influence 
today. The University's event includes poetry reading by local middle 
schoolers, keynote speakers, mariachi music, and a procession to the 
Cesar Chavez Fountain located on campus. Cesar Chavez Day is an 
important opportunity for residents of southeastem Michigan to come 
together and discuss the doors that he opened for students and workers 
as well as to discuss ways to continue to serve underserved student 
populations both at Eastern Michigan University and in local K-12 
schools. It is my honor to join Eastern Michigan University in today's 
celebration, and it is my hope that this event will continue to take 
place in the years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Eastern 
Michigan University as they celebrate their 1oth Annual Cesar Chavez 
Day of Celebration. This event allows for important conversations to 
take place as we celebrate Mr. Chavez's contributions to our country.

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