Widely known as one half of the iconic comedy duo Cheech and Chong, Cheech Marin is lending his talent, knowledge and humor to help kick off the University of California San Diego 2021 César E. Chávez Celebration on April 8. His talk is part of a monthlong series of free virtual events that honor the life and achievements of Mexican American labor leader and civil rights activist César E. Chávez. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the university coming together in honor of the legacy and contributions of Chávez and the Chicanx-Latinx community. All events are open to the campus community and the public.
April’s lineup of events will center on the theme of “50 Years of Chicano Movement: Honoring the Legacy & Struggle.” Richard “Cheech” Marin—a comedian, activist and actor—will deliver the keynote address as part of the 20th Annual César E. Chávez Celebration Kickoff and Scholarship Awards on April 8. The keynote will include a discussion of his career in comedy and film, his community activism as well his art collection. A passionate Chicanx art supporter and collector, Marin has developed the finest private collection of Chicanx art in the nation through the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and Industry.
Alongside the virtual kickoff and other celebratory events, the university has made available free online resources to learn more about Chávez, the Chicano Movement, San Diego’s Chicano Park and more.
“The life and legacy of César E. Chávez is an inspiration to all collaborators and advocates for equity and social justice,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “One of my favorite Chávez quotes embodies our Triton spirit of collaboration and social mobility. He said, ‘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.’ Throughout this month, we celebrate the important movement Chávez and others began and reenergize ourselves to continue progress for a more just, equitable tomorrow.”
An advocate for equality and civil rights, Chávez dedicated his life to righting the injustices that plagued migrant farmworkers across the nation. In 1962, he co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). NFWA joined forces with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) in 1966, merging to become the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee and later renamed the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). UFW continues to fight for improved social and economic conditions for farmworkers around the country.
He is also a principal figure in the Chicano Movement. In the 1960s, the Chicano Movement—or El Movimiento—arose as the largest and most widespread civil rights and empowerment movement by people of Mexican descent in the U.S. During this time in 1965, Chávez played a major role in the Delano Grape Strike, a momentous five-year event that culminated in higher pay, better benefits and more protection for farmworkers.
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