“The significance of Cesar's life transcends any one cause or struggle. He was a unique and humble leader, as well as a great humanitarian and communicator who influenced and inspired millions of Americans from all walks of life.”  www.chavezfoundation.org

Cesar understood that we live in a world where social change is inevitable and necessary.  He said:

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed.  You cannot uneducated the person who has learned to read.  You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride.  And you cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.”  

At the core of the Chavez legacy was his understanding that the issues of farmworkers could not advance, unless and until they had a place at the decision-making “table."

Cesar’s life and legacy teaches us many things about life in America.  His accomplishments teach us that unified action, if properly directed, can influence positive change to benefit our community and nation, at all levels of society.  His vision teaches us that we must take a stand on issues, and be willing to stand up for what we believe and know is right and just. We must not be afraid to demand change whenever it is necessary.  And we cannot accept the status quo if it does not work for our community. 

We honor Cesar E. Chavez because he was a great leader:  he took risks, he made sacrifices, he got things done; and, our country is stronger and better as a result of his work. The Chavez legacy is about justice for all.  It is a legacy of advocacy, courage, inspiration, hope and celebration.  His life-long humanitarian crusade forever broadened the aspirations and horizons for farmworkers, and Latinos in general.  And the Chavez legacy fuels our enthusiasm and resolve for positive change and social justice.

But, the struggle continues: Latino students still trail others in educational performance; Latinos are under-represented in our colleges and universities; Latino youth are over-represented in the criminal justice system; and, the majority of Latinos remain at the lower end of the economic ladder, by any measure. And as much as we hear and talk about the need/commitment for diversity, Latinos are absent or woefully underrepresented at the decision-making levels of business, government, politics, education, and even the church. 

These social, economic and political facts should be a sharp and urgent reminder that there is still much work to be done.  But, at the same time, it cannot be denied that much progress has been made, and there are many individuals, institutions and organizations in Michigan that have and continue to do great work to improve the lives of Latinos. Far too many to list here.  

However, by way of an example of positive action, I believe the Julian Samora Research Institute (JSRI) at Michigan State University stands out as an institution that embraces/emulates and advances the Chavez legacy.  JSRI reflects and promotes these qualities through its extensive research and scholarship on Latino issues, as well as by acting as a facilitator/teacher of progressive thinking, and an advocate/promoter of positive action for the Latino community.

In 2009 JRSI promoted and hosted a summit of Latino leaders from throughout the state as the “first phase of an effort to galvanize Latino-informed leaders and provide an opportunity for them to identify, prioritize and begin to work toward solutions to the challenges facing Latinos in Michigan.”  http://www.jsri.msu.edu

This very important summit advanced the following priorities: “education, immigrant rights, health and healthcare, civic engagement and media portrayal of Latinos, economic development and employment, gender relations, and civil rights and discrimination”.

JSRI hosted a follow-up meeting in 2011 “to set an agenda for action” on these issues, attended by over 60 Latino leaders from throughout the state. The participants of this important summit concluded, and launched a plan that:

“Latinos in Michigan must first establish an effective statewide organization that will serve as the mechanism to garner resources and coordinate efforts to address the challenges facing Latino communities at the levels of service delivery, policy development, and implementation.  The primary goal of this organization is to facilitate the incorporation of Latinos into the core institutions of Michigan. Given the impending demographic shifts and the current state of political, social, and economic alienation and exclusion of Latinos in the state and the nation, it is imperative that this work begin immediately. The organization and the plan proposed here can play important roles in alleviating some key obstacles to the full participation of Latinos in the state.”

Developing a Statewide Plan to Address Latino Issues in Michigan, Julian Samora Research Institute, March 2011.  Available at: http://www.jsri.msu.edu

I believe the participants of the JSRI summits have advanced an important strategy: we must develop a plan through study, dialogue and collaboration; and, we must work together in an organized and uniformed manner to define our issues; and, influence positive change through a vested and unified voice for our community.

As Cesar E. Chavez so correctly stated:  “When you have people together who believe in something very strongly – things happen.” Clearly, in light of the Chavez legacy, this is a tried and proven model of success.

The words of Cesar E. Chavez can inspire us and keep us honest. Their image can instill a 

sense of pride and courage because great results seldom come easy or without sacrifice.  And history has recorded a magnificent text book of life lessons from this extraordinary man that keep teaching, and from which we must keep learning. 

The summits hosted by JSRI are one example of strategic positive action that, I believe, properly reflect the teachings and the spirit of the Chavez legacy.  These types of efforts need and deserve our sincere attention, recognition and support because they can provide another powerful voice, as Chavez did, to promote the positive change that is so desperately needed.

Let us truly honor the legacy of Cesar E.Chavez by continuing on the path he chartered, and followed. And, by understanding that positive change can come by supporting, and joining with, those who believe in, and are guided by, the integrity, principles and standards that are so evident in the work and accomplishments of this great American Hero. 

As Chavez said, Si Se Puede!

Santiago Rios is an MSU alumnus and advocate of community development and advancement.  He currently serves as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan, and teaches part-time as an Assistant Professor in the Michigan State University, Division of Public Health.  From 1998 – 2004 he served as Chairman of the Capitol Area Cesar E. Chavez Commission. In 1990, Santiago Rios was awarded the Michigan State University Service Award for his work in the establishment of the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University. Santiago is a past chairman of the Lansing Board of Water and Light. Santiago and his wife, Melissa, reside in Lansing, Michigan.