A campus visit by film director Eduardo Chavez, the grandson of the late labor leader
and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, will highlight Ferris State University’s two-day
celebration Monday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 13 on the Big Rapids campus.
The Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center is collaborating with the Hispanic Student Organization, the university’s Office of Multicultural Student Services, the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority and the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity to offer the events, according to CLS Executive Director Kaylee Moreno.
“On Monday, March 12, at 4 p.m., we welcome all in the Big Rapids community to join with Ferris students, staff and faculty as Eduardo Chavez’s film, ‘Hailing Cesar’ sees its campus premiere, in Room 202C of the University Center,” Moreno said. “The film should give people a better idea of who Cesar Chavez was, while exploring an individual’s struggle to connect with his history. Eduardo’s challenge is ours as well.”
The documentary began its educational tour on Monday, Feb. 19 at Loyola University, in Chicago, Illinois. Eduardo Chavez was a toddler when Cesar Chavez died, in 1993, so the 26-year old took to the fields, picking grapes as his grandfather and father did, while visiting the people and places that were important to that cause in an attempt to personally explore the Chavez legacy. The 65-minute film has been accepted to the American Documentary Film Festival, in Palm Springs, California, with a world premiere scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, April 8.
“Following the presentation of ‘Hailing Cesar,’ Eduardo will hold a talk-back session with our audience,” Moreno said. “We are excited to be part of his university tour and among the first to see and hear his story.”
Eduardo Chavez will join with the participants in Ferris’ inaugural Cesar Chavez Social Justice March, which will depart from the Interdisciplinary Resource Center connector at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13. Moreno said that event is also designed to welcome those from the area, as well as all sectors of the campus community.
“We hope to follow our student’s interest in bringing Cesar Chavez’ message and energy
to the Big Rapids campus,” Moreno said. “All will be welcome to join with us and learn
about all that Chavez sought, to improve conditions in education, housing and workers’
rights throughout our society.”
Cesar Chavez Day is a federal commemorative holiday in the U.S., which was declared,
in 2014, and is held on March 31, the anniversary of his birth.
PHOTO CAPTION: Filmmaker Eduardo Chavez, grandson of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez will show his documentary, "Hailing Cesar," on Monday, March 12, at 4 p.m. in Room 202C of the University Center building. Eduardo Chavez will also participate in Ferris State University's first Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice March, departing from the Interdisciplinary Resource Center connector Tuesday, March 13 at 4 p.m.