Doane University Latinx Student Association (DULSA) is hosting a luncheon honoring civil rights leaders Ceasar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The luncheon is happening today, March 26 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Perry Campus Center in the East Dining Room. Caesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta were civil rights leaders who worked towards unionizing farm labor in the state of California in the mid to late 20th century. Caesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta were co-leaders of the United Farmworkers Association, which later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to become the United Farm Workers.
The lunch is a part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusions’ (DEI) annual luncheon honoring civil rights leaders and the movements that they were a part of.
“Celebrating Chavez and Huerta’s legacy is personal for me because my grandfather and father were farm workers in this country. My family has been involved in agriculture my entire life and ensuring that individuals who feed America are treated with dignity and fairness should be a goal for all of us–in all lines of work and arenas,” Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Louis Sotelo said.
Outside of the space of agricultural work, Caesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta served their communities. Huerta continues to do that to this day. “[Dolores] Huerta–in her 90’s–continues to fight for justice for marginalized groups in America, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Sotelo said.
Doane is bringing in a guest speaker from Lincoln for the luncheon. Doane Alum and Lincoln High School Instructional Coordinator Adan Martinez “has preserved throughout his life and has helped his community along the way. In his talk, we will learn how we can be advocates for ourselves and for others,” Sotelo said.
Students who wish to attend are free to show up and food and drink will be provided for those who attend.