"It's ironic that those who till the soil, cultivate and harvest the fruits, vegetables and other foods that fill your tables with abundance have nothing left for themselves." … César Chávez, civil rights activist, founder of the United Farm Worker's Association, and a key voice for migrant farm workers in the 20th century.
Herb and Ann
Wed, Mar 28, noon to 3 pm: "Slavery on Trial: The Crisis of the Federal Government and the Cries of the Unhappy Race," by three panelists. Part of Grand Valley State University observance "Remembering the Crossings." www.gvsu.edu/abolition. At GVSU Loosemore Auditorium, downtown Grand Rapids.
Wed, Mar 28, 4 pm: Ninth annual César Chávez celebration at Hope College: "Tú Eres el Futuro—You Are the Future," by Holland Public Schools superintendent Frank Garcia. Sponsored by Office of Multicultural Life. At Maas Auditorium, Columbia and 11th St., Holland
Wed, Mar 28, 7:30 pm: Dennis Archer, formerly Detroit mayor and president of the American Bar Association: keynote lecture for Slavery on Trial: The Long Road to Freedom. Call (616) 254-0367 for reservations. www.gvsu.edu/abolition. At Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St., NW, Grand Rapids.
Thurs, Mar 29, 4 pm: "The Life and Legacy of César Chávez," by Donicio Valdes, history professor, senior researcher at Julian Samora Research Institute, Michigan State University. At Grand Valley State University Cook-DeWitt Center, Allendale.
Thurs, Mar 29, 8 pm (also 7:30 and 9:30 pm Friday, Mar 30): "S.E.L.L.O.U.T. Comedy Tour" by four black comedians who call themselves The Blackpack and challenge audiences to go beyond stereotypes. Advance tickets $13.50 at DeVos Fieldhouse, (616) 395-7890, or $16.50 at the door; a portion of ticket sales goes to Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance if mentioned at time of purchase. At Park Theatre, 248 South River, Holland.
Sat, Mar 31, 10:30 am: 2007 César Chávez Social Justice March starts at Hall Elementary School and ends at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 333 Rumsey SW, Grand Rapids, followed by Moments of Reflection Mass and 1 pm reception luncheon at Grand Rapids Community College Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey SW. Call Lupe Ramos-Montigny, (616) 942-5241 or lrmontigny@yahoo.com. At Hall Elementary School, corner of Hall and Grandville, Grand Rapids.
Sat, Mar 31, 6 pm to midnight: Spring Fling, "touching lives through fun and dance," sponsored by Bayanihan Filipino-American Outreach to benefit Love Inc and other Bayanihan outreach projects. Adults 21 and older. Dancing, door prizes, auction, food, cash bar. Tickets $5 at door or from Marife (616) 218-6360 or Luchi (616) 846-6598. At Fraternal Order of Eagles Club Hall, 20 North 2nd St., Grand Haven.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES: Two groups are being offered for Spanish-speaking women. One is a domestic violence support group on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 am (refreshments at 10 am), at the Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland; for information, call Rachael at (616) 494-1732. The other is an educational support group addressing emotional and mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, self-esteem, etc.) Wednesdays 6:30 to 8 pm at Bethany Christian Services, 12048 James, Holland; for information, call Rebecca at (616) 396-3391.
