GVSU celebrates César Chávez week

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- A week of activities is planned at Grand Valley State University to celebrate the life and legacy of César Chávez, civil rights activist who founded the National Farm Workers Association.

All events are free and open to the public.

Events begin Monday, March 26, with the documentary "Maquilapolis," about two women who work in a factory in Mexico and their struggles with low wages and toxic chemicals. The film’s director and producer, Sergio de La Tore, will be on hand to discuss the movie; it will be screened at 1 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center on the Allendale Campus.

A panel will discuss "English as an Official Language: Is this Really Necessary?" from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in the Kirkhof Center, rooms 215/216. Panelists include Keith Watts, faculty member in Modern Languages and Literatures, and Tina Green, assistant principal at Burton Middle School.

Carlos Munoz Jr., professor emeritus of ethnic studies at the University of California-Berkeley, continues the Professionals of Color Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 28, from 4-6 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center. Munoz will discuss "Immigration and Race in the Global Era."

The week's keynote speech will be given by Donicio Valdes, professor of history and senior researcher at the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University. Valdes will talk about "The Life and Legacy of César Chávez" from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, in the Cook-DeWitt Center.

César Chávez Week event are sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs with support from many other campus departments. For more information, call (616) 331-2177.