Lewis University celebrates the lives of civil rights leaders and Latino heroes

In celebration of two great civil rights leaders and Hispanic heroes in United States history, Lewis University will host César Chávez/Dolores Huerta Week from March 28-April 1. Free of charge and open to the public, the week’s events will be held on Lewis University’s main campus in Romeoville.

Recognizing the accomplishments of Latin Americans and U.S. Latinas, “Dia de la Mujer” will take place at 6 p.m. on March 28 in the Student Union. The performance will illustrate the importance of Latin American traditional folk dances to women and their communities.

Viva La Causa will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on March 29 in Room AS-158. The film focuses on one of the seminal events in the march for human rights, the grape strike and boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the 1960s. Viva La Causa illustrates how thousands of people from across the nation joined in a struggle for justice for the most exploited people in our country, the workers who put food on our tables.

Dr. Juan Andrade Jr., President of the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) will discuss firsthand the life of César Chávez and principles of servant leadership within the Latino community at 3 p.m. on March 30 in the Sancta Alberta Chapel.

At 3:30 p.m. on March 31, Lewis University faculty and students will present information on the powerful story of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Organizers will conduct a food drive, taking donations to feed the hungry and to support workers.

Sponsors of César Chávez/Dolores Huerta Week include Lewis University’s CLASE, Multicultural Student Services, Women’s Studies program and Gamma Phi Omega. These events are also being presented as a part of Lewis University’s Arts & Ideas Program, providing cultural and educational programming for students and the community. For additional information, please contact Dr. Michael Cunningham, Director of Arts & Ideas, at (815) 836-5385.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.  Visit www.lewisu.edu. for more information.