FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis will honor the legacy of social activist Cesar Chavez this weekend during the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and the Cesar Chavez Dinner.
Both events pay tribute to César Chávez, a Mexican American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, whose commitment to justice and human dignity led to equal rights for migrant workers and continues to inspire the Latino community today.
About 300 students, staff and faculty, along with members of the Indianapolis community, will volunteer for community service projects from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 28. The day of service will begin with a brief morning program on the fourth floor of the IUPUI Campus Center, 420 University Blvd.
Community service sites and work projects include:
- Paw’s Pantry, IUPUI Campus Center, Second Floor, 420 University Blvd., painting crates
- Jameson Camp, 2001 Bridgeport Road, invasive species removal and trail maintenance
- Auntie Mame’s, 3120 N. Emerson Ave., preparing a park for spring use
- Indy Urban Acres, 7700 E. 21st St., planting and harvesting
- South Circle Farm, 2048 S. Meridian St., organizing new community classroom
The Cesar Chavez Day of Service is organized by the Community Service Scholars of the Sam H. Jones Community Service Scholarship Program .
The IUPUI Latino Student Association will host the Eighth Annual Cesar Chavez dinner at 6 p.m., Sunday, March 29 in the Wabash Ballrooms 1, 2 and 3 at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capital Ave.
Lilyan Prado Carrillo, financial aid specialist and former spokesperson for a Sallie Mae Fund National Bus Tour, is the keynote speaker. Carrillo, a first generation high school and first generation college graduate, travels the country sharing her personal story in order to promote the belief that higher education is accessible for everyone. Her life mission is to inspire, prepare, motivate and develop educated, healthy and happy young men and women across the country.