FLINT, Michigan – Like every year, The Latinx Technology & Community Center organized the Chavez-Huerta Luncheon Celebration, in honor of the federal holiday celebrated on March 31, known as Cesar Chavez Day.

This year the luncheon event was held at the University of Michigan-Flint’s North Bank Center and honored cultural leaders like Cesar Chavez, a leader for farmer worker labor rights and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), along with Dolores Huerta, leader and human rights activist. Both Chavez and Huerta are honorees of the presidential medal of freedom. The event program highlighted their contributions, achievements, and legacy of the civil rights movement forever changing history.

The event featured keynote speaker Art Reyes III, former president of UAW Local 651. Reyes spoke about the connection between the United Farm Workers (UFW) movement and the Flint labor organizers with the UAW. Reyes mentioned the historical significance of the labor union development and Chavez Drive, one of the first streets named after Cesar Chavez in Michigan and the Midwest.

Organizational leaders from the Latinx Center spoke about future projects in the community and the impact on the neighborhood.

Event guests enjoyed cultural entertainment, presented by El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil, performing mariachi music and traditional folkloric dance. While the guests ate food provided by “Picasso”, a food catering company contracted with the University of Michigan.