In celebration of the life and achievements of César E. Chávez and in conjunction with the California state holiday, UCSD presents a series of events. These events are open to the entire San Diego community in recognition of César Chávez's contributions as a champion of human rights, a leader in the struggle for working families, and a disciple of the philosophy of non-violence. UCSD observes the César E. Chávez holiday on Friday, March 27.

Friday, March 13
9th Annual Essay Contest deadline

This year's topic for 9–12 graders:

• What is community? What are my responsibilities to my community? How is my community responsible to me? What have I done to create a sense of community in my school or in my neighborhood?
• Why does César say that "only by giving our lives do we find life?" What makes my actions worthwhile and meaningful? Are my actions more than service?

Info: Contact omeaguilar@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-4250, or see sdchavezcommittee.info.

Saturday, March 28
César E. Chávez March and Parade

Honoring the life and work of César E. Chávez:

• 10 a.m. – noon, Sherman Heights Elementary School (map)
• Info: Contact (619) 207-4592 or see sdchavezcommittee.info.

Monday, March 30
11th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Community Breakfast

Come honor César Chávez's legacy in the San Diego region and recognize this year's high school scholarship essay contest winners. The featured keynote speaker is Dolores Huerta. Get tickets at sdchavezcommittee.info.

• 7:30 a.m., San Diego Convention Center (map)
• Info: Contact (619) 279-6110.

Thursday, April 2
Chicana/o Studies: Past, Present, and Future

Join the Colectiva Chicana for a discussion of the history and goals of the Chicana/o movement and why they are still important today. A reception will follow.

• 5 – 6:30 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (map)
• Info: Contact dee.manjarrez@gmail.com.

Saturday, April 4
31st Annual Cultural Celebration

Enjoy music, dance, food, and art from around the world, along with children's activities. Free admission and parking.

• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thurgood Marshall College campus (map)
• Info: Contact (858) 534-4390 or see marshall.ucsd.edu.

Monday, April 6
César E. Chávez Celebration Kickoff

UCSD's opening event includes the Mariachi Estudiantil from Montgomery Middle School and an award ceremony honoring a San Diego community member, a UCSD staff person, and a UCSD alum for furthering Cesar Chavez's ideals in their lives. A reception will follow.

• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., International Center Patio (map)
• Info: Contact ivelasco@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-6862.

Thursday, April 9
Out of the shadows: Understanding and Supporting AB540 Students

Join this community dialogue to learn more about the experiences of immigrant students as they navigate the bureaucracy of the university.

• 5–7 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (map)
• Info: Contact ewelch@ucsd.edu or (858)534-6225.

Monday, April 13
Dr. Joan May Cordova: Filipinos in the Fields — Conflicts and Coalitions

Citing recent work of groundbreaking scholars, Cordova reviews the history of Filipino farm worker organization, land rights struggles, and coalition building including the merging of their union with that of César Chávez to form the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO, in 1966.

• Noon – 1:30 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (map)
• Info: Contact nmagpusao@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-9689.

Thursday, April 16
In Our Hands: Art Inspired by the Values of César E. Chávez (artists reception)

The exhibition, showcasing the work of community artists who draw inspiration from the core values promoted by Chávez, runs April 1–17 at the Cross-Cultural Center.

• 7–9 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (map)
• Info: Contact loruiz@ucsd.edu or (858)534-5689.

Thursday, April 23
Film: "A Class Apart" (2009)

This documentary explores the Mexican American lawyers who took a landmark civil rights case to the Supreme Court in 1954 that forever changed the lives and legal standing of tens of millions of Americans. A reception and panel discussion will follow.

• 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (map)
• Info: Contact asotelosolis@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-4972.

Friday, April 24
Lumumba/Zapata College: 40 Years Later

Come to panel presentations by original faculty and student participants from the L/Z Movement, created in 1969 to democratize UC San Diego. A discussion with current UCSD students will follow.

• 6–9 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center (map)
• Info: Contact mmnaranjo@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-4059.

Saturday, April 25
Celebrating 39 Years of Chicano Park

Enjoy the festivities at Chicano Park. Free transportation from UCSD plus lunch at the historic Las Cuatro Milpas Restaurant. Sign up at the Center for Student Involvement (CSI).

• 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Chicano Park, Barrio Logan
• Info: Contact dmercado@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-1585.

Thursday, April 30
Voces of the New Califas

See an evening of contemporary theater, poetry, and art from across the Golden State. A collaboration between UCSD's Chicano/a Latino/a Arts and Humanities and San Diego's historic Centro Cultural de la Raza.

• 6–10 p.m., Balboa Park
• Info: Contact mmnaranjo@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-4059.

Monday, May 4
UCSD RAZA Awareness Week begins

For the 20th year, join MEChA for events that celebrate the diverse Spanish-speaking cultures at UCSD and in the community.

• Info: Contact ucsdmecha@googlegroups.com or (858) 534-1585.