But: Dolores Huerta—mother of eleven—did as much (or more) organizing in the movement as César Chávez, so her righteous name should replace his, perhaps, in many instances. On our wonderful Davis Spanish-immersion school, for one—soon? April 10 will mark her 96th birthday. A new holiday?
Is it, though? For a Spanish-immersion school? How about honoring Dolores Huerta, back in the day somewhat marginalized in the movement although latterly more recognized [see comment below]
West Davis Elementary and East Davis Elementary were both built at the same time, but they soon changed the name of EDE to Valley Oak because of the "stigma" of being on the wrong side of the tracks.
Caesar Chavez and a large group of farm workers held a demonstration March through Modesto, California on April 1, 1966. The march started in Delano ending in Sacramento. The group happened to pass by my 15th street childhood home, where at that moment I was getting married. It was a very memorable hot day. I was a supporter of the movement and was gratified that I was a witness to change that might be coming for the workers in the field who slaved with little compensation, to provide our fruits and vegetables. My parents, I am sorry to say, did not share my feelings. My mother was already upset that I had chosen April Fool’s Day to get married and the Chavez march was the topping on the cake. No matter whether you favor unions or not, no person should be honored in any way if they have abused women or children. The name of Caesar Chavez should be removed from all public places as well as the names of present and future abusers.
Very sad and shocking. West Edge Opera commissioned a new opera entitled Delores last year, with Chavez as a major character. Unlike the schools and holidays named for him, changing the opera to eliminate the good things said about him is undoable. Very sad indeed.
Very sad revelations about someone so many of us revered. I worked for then Councilmember Joe Serna, Jr. in Sacramento. Son of farmworkers, he stood with Chaves and Huerta in the beginning of the UFW. he would be crushed at this news. Thank you for taking a strong stance, Bob. And yes, si se puede!
Somehow this reminded me of taking Spanish from Ruth Anderson, for the 2nd time today. A couple of young Hispanic men came to do a flooring job today. One spoke good English after many years back and forth to Mexico with parents. The other spoke no English at all, and so I asked 'como se llama'. Even 65 years later, a bit comes back to me, and the guy who spoke good English was impressed.
I have the same familiarity with Spanish vocabularly and phrases from those course we took from Ruth Anderson, a very special person in our lives, so many years ago
Well-written, Bob, and very sad indeed.
An outstanding piece, Bob, on such difficult and sad circumstances.
I am absolutely stunned, Jerry.
Would never have thought this was possible.
Palabras no hay para esta revelación
But: Dolores Huerta—mother of eleven—did as much (or more) organizing in the movement as César Chávez, so her righteous name should replace his, perhaps, in many instances. On our wonderful Davis Spanish-immersion school, for one—soon? April 10 will mark her 96th birthday. A new holiday?
Interesting suggestion, Adrienne.
I was in the first class at West Davis Elementary. Many fond memories of that place and those days.
Well said, Adrienne
So sorry for the victims. Back to WDE is the best course.
Is it, though? For a Spanish-immersion school? How about honoring Dolores Huerta, back in the day somewhat marginalized in the movement although latterly more recognized [see comment below]
I grew up on the east-side of the tracks, but I'm okay with WDE.
West Davis Elementary and East Davis Elementary were both built at the same time, but they soon changed the name of EDE to Valley Oak because of the "stigma" of being on the wrong side of the tracks.
I can go for that
My old West Davis Elementary fifth grade teacher, Marguerite Montgomery, has a school named after her.
Caesar Chavez and a large group of farm workers held a demonstration March through Modesto, California on April 1, 1966. The march started in Delano ending in Sacramento. The group happened to pass by my 15th street childhood home, where at that moment I was getting married. It was a very memorable hot day. I was a supporter of the movement and was gratified that I was a witness to change that might be coming for the workers in the field who slaved with little compensation, to provide our fruits and vegetables. My parents, I am sorry to say, did not share my feelings. My mother was already upset that I had chosen April Fool’s Day to get married and the Chavez march was the topping on the cake. No matter whether you favor unions or not, no person should be honored in any way if they have abused women or children. The name of Caesar Chavez should be removed from all public places as well as the names of present and future abusers.
Totally agree, Jacqueline.
Very sad and shocking. West Edge Opera commissioned a new opera entitled Delores last year, with Chavez as a major character. Unlike the schools and holidays named for him, changing the opera to eliminate the good things said about him is undoable. Very sad indeed.
Very sad revelations about someone so many of us revered. I worked for then Councilmember Joe Serna, Jr. in Sacramento. Son of farmworkers, he stood with Chaves and Huerta in the beginning of the UFW. he would be crushed at this news. Thank you for taking a strong stance, Bob. And yes, si se puede!
Joe Serna. We needed more like him, Chris.
Oh, yes...memories of you keeping us in stitches in Ruth's classes.
Somehow this reminded me of taking Spanish from Ruth Anderson, for the 2nd time today. A couple of young Hispanic men came to do a flooring job today. One spoke good English after many years back and forth to Mexico with parents. The other spoke no English at all, and so I asked 'como se llama'. Even 65 years later, a bit comes back to me, and the guy who spoke good English was impressed.
I have the same familiarity with Spanish vocabularly and phrases from those course we took from Ruth Anderson, a very special person in our lives, so many years ago
I’m devastated, too, after years of working with him. Never could have imagined this. Power corrupts. 😢
Truly unbelievable, Pat. Never in a million years would I have thought this of him.
Well said, Bob.