hello and welcome. i'm damian trujillo. we celebrate the legacy of cesar chavez and his family is here on our show on your "communidad del valle." ♪ >> a special show here on "comunidad." the half hour is dedicated to the legacy of chavez. his sister right rita, rudy and

barbara. it's always great. rita, when we got the news back in 1993, i think, the entire nation was devastated. i don't think that everybody knew what kind of impact cesar's passing would have on all of us. he's become such an icon. did you imagine your brother would reach the heights, his legacy would reach the heights that it has? >> no, not really. but i know that he was a hard worker and he always thought about somebody has to do something about the farm workers. somebody. didn't know that he was going to do it, we never knew. when he's first going to start the -- do the union, he had a meeting with the family. my mom was against it. because she was afraid, scared. there had been other violence. other people that had done violence. we knew about it since we were farm workers. so my mom said, no, no, por

favor. he said, i'm going to do it a nonviolent way. that's how he did it. >> you look at the documentaries that are aired on pbs all the time. and they're people who are talking who are cesar's friends who were saying at the time they thought, boy, you're going to start a union for farm workers? you must be crazy. can you imagine now those feelings and where they've gone and what your uncle accomplished by the images we're watching hire on the screen? it's pretty incredible, the trajectory that cesar went through. >> a lot of people didn't believe in him when he started. now those people are the ones praising him. he just didn't let any of that get in his way. he had a vision of what he was going to do. he was very determined. and nobody could stop him. >> that's pretty amazing. rudy, this is the busy time of year for the family.

talk about when the business starts. probably ends on march 31st. >> you're right, the whole month of march is really busy. because the chavez family vision coordinateth with the caesar chavez foundation. we get a lot of requests. there aren't enough family members even though we have 1,100 of them, there aren't enough to cover all the requests. because they come in like bunches. right? so we'll get 10 or 12 of them to all have us be at a certain day, at a certain time, throughout the entire state. and the southwest. so it's exciting. it's fun. i like to go to do those kinds of talks. i just came back from talking with the california puc which is really interesting. >> i bet. >> and it's just something that we enjoy doing. it's inspiring also to share the stories and to see the

documentaries or see the different videos that people have. then for us to relate how caesar was really in the background. those are the things that i like to do when i go. i give them little tidbits of caesar's life. his private life that you don't see in the videos. you don't hear in the documentaries. you don't read in the books. i think that's what's so priceless about doing that. >> and we can't take for granted the fact that you all are here. because we'll get into that later on. the fact that you make an effort every year to join us here. we really appreciate it. the whole half hour is dedicated to the legacy of caesar. we're going to be airing the story about the national historic landmark, which is 40 acres. we'll air a story about that. then jorge santana and abel sanchez wrote a song "song for caesar." we'll air that on this show because the legacy merits that. we've spoken about this in the past, rita. you've said caesar wasn't the kind who wanted a state holiday,

who wanted streets named after him. he was all about being humble and helping the farm worker. >> he wanted more about the farm workers than himself. you know. not me, he says, i didn't do it all alone, he says, i had all these people who helped me through the whole -- the boycott and everything. i didn't to it, i don't want nothing. there was one school named after him before he died. and he was, why did they do it? now they've got all these things, i don't know what he's thinking up there about all this other -- bridges and, you know, high schools, parks. libraries and different, different places that are named after him. >> well, what are your thoughts, barbara, so many years after his passing and where we've come since then? i know the union has had its ups and downs. but as a family, talk about his legacy, if you will, in how it may have changed when he was alive to compare that to how it is now.

>> well, it's -- it's changed our lives, obviously. because we just want to keep his legacy going. because a lot of the younger generation don't know what he did. and a lot of schools still don't teach what he did. you know, we find out even here in san jose, there are a lot of schools that don't. but it just -- for me, it just keeps me going. obviously some of our other family members. to make sure that nobody tarnishes his legacy and we keep it going without somebody taking advantage of him. because there are some people that do that. so that's why we establish chavez family vision. >> that's amazing. chavez family vision has helped coordinate all of the marches, the annual marches in downtown san jose. a lot of charity work that's done through chavez family vision. just this month, congressman joe baca down in southern california introduced a bill that would

make caesar chavez a national holiday. what's your reaction to that? >> you know, i -- i applaud baca for doing that. and we're going to be working in conjunction with his efforts and with the efforts of the caesar chavez foundation. the chavez foundation, as a matter of fact, dat each of our events this year is going to have petitions for people to sign. so when participants come they'll be actively enrolled and engaged in making that national holiday eventually come true. it's a lot of work. and we know that. but we're so used to doing a lot of work that it's another task that we're going to put on our table and make sure that we accomplish it. if not this year, next year. if not next year, the following year. we still remember and believe in the attitude. we have that attitude. so i know it will come to fruition. and i know that we will all be part of it.

>> can you imagine that, rita? there are holidays with last names of columbus and lincoln and washington and king. and there's a possibility of adding chavez to that. >> i hope so. i think he deserves to have a holiday, like everybody else that has done a lot of work in this world like he did. you know. we are sure going to work very hard on it. if i can, i will. >> just saying, that barbara, it kind of sent a chill up my spine and got a few goosebumps. can you imagine that thought, that there's king and washington and lincoln and chavez as national holidays? >> i can imagine it. he obviously -- he wouldn't have wanted it. because he was very humble. he would have wanted us to be out there fighting for the farm workers. not just farm workers but all the other people. like right now people in wisconsin that are losing, you know, their rights to have a union.s but i think, you know, he ser

deserves it. he's been kept in the background a little bit too long. and i think he deserves to be up there like everybody else. >> all right. well, there are several things happening around the caesar chavez holiday. there is a march that's taking place. there's also the commemorative breakfast taking place at cet in san jose. there's a number to call for information. there's a caesar chavez memorial golf tournament. you can sign up now, the chav chavezfamilyvision.org is the web address. we can't forget the march on march 26th at 10:00 a.m. at the mexican heritage plaza in san jose. we'll talk more about the legacy of caesar chavez when we continue, stay with us. [ alarm blares ]

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to establish -- help establish our scholarship fund. and we have established two programs this year. one is a tutoring and mentoring program. the other is a scholarship program. so the proceeds of all of our events are going towards funding those two programs. so the tournament starts on -- at noon on the 31st after our breakfast. and we will golf and we will have a banquet afterwards. the centuries golf course has rolled out the red carpet for us. they'll be treating the golfers like royalty. and we're looking for a really good time. we have only a couple of spots left. so if anybody has any foursomes out there that wanted to join, just give us a call and we'll try and fit you in. >> again, that's for scholarships and it's all for a good cause. and the march. you want to go through the historic march again on the 26th of march? >> right, on the 26th of march as you said, we're going to start at the mexican heritage

plaza at 10:00 a.m. we're going to walk along the same path that is the cesar chavez memorial walk that city of san jose, the chavez family vision, collaborated with to create. and it was approved unanimously by the city council. we also have signs that were posted that have the significance of particular locations. the guadeloupe church. the chavez family home. just to name a few. so it's going to be real exciting. we're expecting a lot of people. as i mentioned before the march is going to be dedicated towards the rights of public employees. the collective bargaining rights. and we're really supporting those efforts. because cesar in his efforts did believe in collective bargaining for farm workers and all public and private employees. >> very good. and just recently, interior secretary ken salazar traveled down to delano, the home of

historic 40 acres, to christen it as a national historic landmark. the chavez family was there and i was fortunate enough to travel as a reporter to go cover this historic event. ♪ >> he put the weight of the farm workers' struggle on his shoulders. cesar chavez carried his nonviolent fight for civil rights to the small central valley town of delano. he fasted in 1968, and again in 1988, to strengthen the resolve of those who followed. and this was the bed that witnessed his weakest physical moments, but his strongest spiritually. >> this was '88, right, when he did this fast? >> today, interior secretary ken salazar toured the compound known as 40 acres. >> i am committed, dedicated, devoted and will not stop until we tell the story of all the people of america. including the stories of all of

those people whose stories historically were swept under the rug. >> and with the power of the white house, secretary salazar officially dedicated 40 acres as a national historic landmark. >> this property is of national significance in commemorating the history of the united states of america. >> they used words like hallowed grounds to describe 40 acres. a place where giants walked, they said. today, 40 acres received the highest honor from a historical perspective bestowed by the united states of america. ♪ o say can you see by the dawn's early light ♪ >> and that places it in a unique and very elite set of places in this country. places that are the quintessential stories of america. >> we're extremely proud. the recognition of 40 acres has been a place that really embodies the spirit of the park

farm worker movement. >> many traveled to the ceremony from the bay area, including chavez's granddaughter and her friend. >> this is very powerful. i mean, this is -- i couldn't miss it for anything. >> i think it's a significant day, an important day, honoring cesar chavez. >> a man who no doubt would be humbled by such an honor on behalf of a grateful nation. ♪ and the home of the brave >> in delano, damian trujillo, nbc bay area news. >> and you also traveled there, rita. what was your reaction after that full day of festivities? >> oh my god, it was such a wonderful day. something that -- it's -- i don't know how to say it. it's very honoring that we have a national -- there's going to be some more. this is the first one. you know, something significant. especially the 40 acres actually started most of the union. >> when you talk about a

national historic landmark, bar were, that's the cream of the crop, that's as high as one can go when you're talking about historic places like that. >> yes. it is, and it's a very -- it's an honor to have that for the union and for the people. and then it brought back a lot of memories for me when we used to just go there and it was just the 40 acres. and we'd, you know -- it brought a lot of memories when i was just sitting there listening to everybody talking. so it's just -- something that you never thought would happen. >> when you bring the power of the white house to 40 acres, i mean, there's nothing --here's no higher power than that. >> you know, and that's the first time that there had been any cabinet members come to the 40 acres or to any events of the united farm workers. and so it was extremely significant for the movement, for the family, you know. and for the farm workers. it was just a great way of

acknowledging all their work. and as my mom said earlier, you know, cesar didn't do it by himself. there were a lotg of good peop behind rim. there are still a lot of good people fighting that struggle. >> the march in san jose, march 26th, 10:00 a.m. march 31st, the state holiday. there is the commemorative breakfast at cet in san jose. there's that number to call for more information. and don't forget the golf tournament at the santa teresa golf course. there's a correction. thank you very much, eva. chavezfamilyvision.org is the web address. we'll be back.

we're back commemorating the left legacy of cesar chavez. his family is gracious enough to join us for this special show. you know, in phoenix, arizona, when they have a cesar chavez

commemorative breakfast, there's about 2,000 people that show up. i hear. and they just pack the place. here it's a little more humble. but it's still such a pootrful, powerful moment, if you will. talk about this year's breakfast in san jose. >> you know, this year's breakfast, again, has a really truthful meaning. its theme is education of the heart. which really comes from one of the speeches th es that cesar g. the one stool that was dedicated to his honor when he was alive. we took that speech and we're going to have that speech read at the breakfast by my son, who's going to be a teacher. he's getting his teaching credenti credentials. he's graduated from san jose state. so the party, the family outvoted me. because i wanted to read it. but they said no. and that's okay because we've got to pass the torch on, right? so my son gabriel is going to read it.

the significance is it's a time for the community to get together and honor cesar. one of the things he liked to do is break bread with people. that's really part of a religious and spiritual thing that cesar believed in. every year we give out the award. we give it to people that really, really show a lot of support and dedication towards the movement, towards our organization, and towards cesar's legacy. so this year, mom? >> damian, you know, as much as -- >> oh my god. >> you did a great job. you've done a real good job with us. you've really been from the heart, not only from the mouth. so in appreciation, from the sea shar chavez family vision, the chavez family, medina family, you are the honoree this year. it's my honor to present you

with the shcesar chavez award. >> thank you. thank you so much. this is -- >> you deserve it. >> thank you. >> the door's always open. >> we know that. >> i've seen who you've honored in the past and i'm humbled to be included. >> you're not going to be at the breakfast. >> we thought we'd surprise you. >> thank you very much. >> we know why you're not going to be at the breakfast. each year you go out with your wife and take students to feed farm workers. >> and, you know, i'm a former farm worker and this is all my wife's idea. because she also recognizes the humility of farm workers and what they've done for all farm workers. i'll let you have the final thoughts, if you will, rita. wow. >> well, we were debating who would be, and i said, i know one. i know who could get it this year. i know who's available. who should receive this award. we took it to the board and the

board voted on it and there you are. >> this is so humbling. thank you. >> and you've really, you know, deserved it. because you always have us here every year. here on your program. you go to events, you do the emcee. >> and i'll keep doing that. any final thoughts? >> just really appreciate the fact that you have us here and you give us all your support. and you do a lot in the community yourself. not just for farm workers but for other people. you're very committed to your job. and we just feel that you deserve this award this year very much. >> thank you. this was to be a tribute to cesar, not to me. i really appreciate it. >>. [ speaking spanish ] >> thank you very much. >> now it's going to be on tv and all over. >> thank you very much. here it is. thank you all to the chavez family vision and the board and

la familia. thank you very much. godspeed and give you power to keep what you're doing. [ speaking spanish ] >> just like my mom. gracias, rita. next up, a song for cesar written by jorge santana and abel sanchez in honor of a great man, stay with us. ovmore an ltening to ouravoritsong than liste our favngs. t r fari is eatnoizol.

e'reheids in ♪ boy, this is so incredible. so empowering. thank you once again to the chavez family vision. the chavez family and their supporters for this great award. it's undeserved. a lot of us do what we do because we love it and we care about others. but what the heck. it's nice to be recognized, thank you very much. >> it's a pleasure to have you receive it. >> when it comes from the heart, not only from the mouth, that's what counts. people who do it with their heart. because you believe in it. a lot of people, yes, i know

cesar chavez. you ask them. well, i can't do it today. but like you, it comes from the heart, that counts. >> thank you. thank you all very much. we leave you with a song called "a song for cesar" written by abel san she say and jorge santana. ♪ >> we're going to do a thing for you dedicated to cesar chavez. it's a dvd we did called "song for cesar." we dedicate the to everybody here in phoenix and to cesar chavez. ♪ ♪

♪ as i walk along i wonder what would be ♪ ♪ will my heart be searching will my soul be free ♪ ♪ i walk along this land i wonder what i see ♪ ♪ see my brothers struggling struggling to be free ♪ ♪ ♪ it's inspiration that i'm searching for ♪ ♪ like to sail across the ocean seeking to explore ♪ ♪ like a never-ending battle, battle of my mind ♪ ♪ will i be forever searching what i seek to find ♪

♪ ♪ as i walk this land amazed at what i see ♪ ♪ i see my brothers struggling struggling to be free ♪ ♪ i walk along this land, cries of equality ♪ ♪ just for privileged ones but not for you and me ♪ ♪ ♪