Mesa, AZ As the nation prepares to Celebrate Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, the City of Mesa is honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader by unveiling a plaque in his honor at Eagles Community Center. This mornings ceremony featured Andres Chavez, CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation and grandson of Cesar Chavez and Mesa Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia.
"As the proud son of farm workers, I witnessed first-hand the impact Cesar Chavez had on my family and the Latino community. His unwavering lucha is a source of inspiration to do better by my community as a member of the Mesa City Council,"said Mesa District 3 Councilmember and Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia. "More than 30 years after his passing, we are still reaping the effects of his fight for better wages and working conditions for all. Thanks to activists like Cesar Chavez, Latinos s podemos have a better life and get a shot at reaching the American dream."
The program was part of a free, family-friendly community celebration. During Mesas Cesar Chavez event, volunteers participated in a community tree planting ceremony and free books to the local Little Free Libraries. The projects honored the ten core values of the Cesar Chavez Foundation (Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrate Community, Knowledge and Innovation).
"Cesar Chavezs enduring influence and remarkable achievements resonate with the people of Mesa, and the community event is a way to pay tribute to him and celebrate his impact,"said Mayor John Giles. "His vision and legacy serve as guiding lights for our commitment in Mesa to being a just, equitable and inclusive city."
Mesas Cesar Chavez celebration at Eagles Community Center is along Calle Cesar Chavez, a one-mile segment of Broadway Road that has honorary street signs providing a geographical relationship connecting Chavezs contributions to Mesas thriving Hispanic population.
The Cesar Chavez celebration is part of Together Mesa, an initiative launched in May 2022 that embraces our communitys rich diversity and inspires residents to get involved in their local community. Together Mesa collects and showcases the voices that make Mesa, fostering awareness and understanding to strengthen us as a city.