Andres Chavez Keynote Speaker in Coachella

Andres Chavez, Cesar Chavez’s Grandson, selected keynote speaker as Coachella celebrates legacy of labor activist.

COACHELLA – Andres Chavez, executive director of National Chavez Center (NCC) and grandson of the civil rights leader, will be the keynote speaker at an event at the Coachella Library Park from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29.

Raised in the farm worker movement, from an early age Andres has served as a key ambassador representing the Cesar Chavez Foundation and the farm worker movement at innumerable public events across the nation.

“I was honored to have been approached by the City to share my grandfather’s legacy and the Foundation’s current endeavors toward serving our target communities,” Andres Chavez said in a statement. “My mission is to continue acknowledging and addressing the needs of our people.”

The city will honor Cesar Chavez Day which is observed every year on March 31st with an event at the Coachella Library Park from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29.

“Cesar’s cause is engrained in the fabric of this City,” Mayor Steven Hernandez said in a statement. “The very foundation of our community is based on the education, activism and fundamentals of the United Farm Workers, which we will continue to uphold and carry forward for future generations.”

Mayor Pro Tem Neftali Galarza said, “Having Andres speak on behalf of his grandfather and the cause that he championed is important because he represents a younger generation and can speak to a wave of immigrants that came in after the labor movement. It’s important to know how the past is influencing the future for Latinos and working families.”

Entertainment for the event includes live performances by Mariachi Coachella, Ballet Folklorico Sangre Obrera and Ballet Alma Folklorica Metztli. The program for this event includes opening and closing remarks from Mayor Steven Hernandez and City Council, a keynote address from Andres Chavez and additional remarks from activist Clementina Olloque. Free food will also be provided.

Andres Chavez is also speaking Wednesday, March 29 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Desert Hot Springs High School Theatre, 65-850 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs.

Andres Chavez will talk about his grandfather’s life and legacy across the nation, two days before Cesar Chavez Day on March 31.