César E. Chávez, 1927-1993

César’s Legacy Through Service to the Community

2008 Commemorative Period
March 20th to April 23rd
Calendar of Events

Homage to Four Virtues of César Chávez

Hope

To believe that seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome

Determination

To stay with a course of noble action despite obstacles. ¡Si Se Puede!

Courage

To meet danger or advance unpopular opinions without giving way to fear

Tolerance

To resolve differences peacefully by understanding the beliefs of others

El elogio escrito en ocación de su muerte.
A fines de abril
a César E. Chávez

A fines de abril
las viñas ya verdes de brotos,
llegó la muerte al campesino,
al césar de las uvas vestidas de azul,
de las cebollas de fondos blancos,
de las manzanas de vestiduras rojas.
Le dijo - ¡Vén, César! -

Y se lo llevó de las uvas envenenadas,
las sandías, los melones llenos de mal,
de las batallas de los surcos,
de las emboscadas de las acequias,
del estandarte guadalupano,
de la bandera roja y negra.

Pero en los surcos
su voz dejó sembrado
su anhelo por justicia -
que es decir reclamar
el pan para el hambre
el alivio para el enfermo
los libros para el inocente.
Su voz dará fruto
y habrá regocijo
en los surcos,
las acequias,
las mesas,
la tierra.

© Rafael Jesús González 2008

At the End of April
to César E. Chávez

At the end of April
the vines already green with buds,
death came to the field-worker,
to the caesar of the grapes dressed in blue,
of the onions in white petticoats,
of the apples in red vestments.

She said to him, "Come, César!"

And took him from the poisoned grapes,
the watermelons, the melons full of ill,
the battles of the furrows,
the ambushes of the ditches,
the Guadalupe standard,
the red and black flag.

But in the furrows
his voice left planted
his longing for justice -
which is to say, his demands
for bread for the hungry,
healing for the sick,
books for the innocent.

His voice will bear fruit
and there will be rejoicing
in the furrows,
in the ditches,
round the tables
in the land.

© Rafael Jesús González 2008