Gilbert Padilla, second from right, with Dolores Huerta, Cesar Chavez and Sen. Ted Kennedy. (UC San Diego Library)
Gilbert Padilla, an early leader of the United Farm Workers Union who resides in Fresno, will lead a panel discussion following the screening of the film, “Cesar’s Last Fast” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (March 29) in the University Business Center, room 191 as part of Fresno State’s three-day 20th annual Cesar E. Chavez Garlanding Ceremony and Celebration this week.
The film depicts how Chavez risked his life with a hunger fast to champion the farmworkers cause.
The University’s annual observance, commemorating this year the 50th anniversary of the 340-mile United Farm Workers Perenigracion (pilgrimage) from Delano to Sacramento, began today with a blood drive on campus and continues tonight (March 28) with a film and panel, “Delano Manongs” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Both free, public screenings will be in the University Business Center, room 191.
A garlanding ceremony with Chavez son, Paul, will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday (March 30).
See Chavez celebration press release: bit.ly/FSN-ChavezDay16.
See full schedule.
New York Times article (1988): http://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/16/us/fast-by-chavez-over-pesticides-passes-29th-day.html.
Video review: http://www.democracynow.org/2014/1/23/cesars_last_fast_how_cesar_chavez
