4/5/2004 - Spirit of Chavez invoked to rally Lubbock residents to ballot box

BY BRITTANY FISH
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Mention the name Cesar Chavez and the word "hero" comes to mind — at least to Emilio Abeyta, the 2004 recipient of the Cesar Chavez Spirit Award.
Abeyta was the master of ceremonies for Sunday's tribute to Chavez.
"He was one of the few people that really stood out for justice, equality and fairness," Abeyta said.
Chavez was born March 31, 1927, near Yuma, Ariz. His family lost their farm during the Depression, and they became migrant farm workers. As a child and adult, Chavez crisscrossed the West and Southwest, laboring in fields, orchards and vineyards.
After suffering the trials and tribulations of the farm laborer life, he founded the United Farm Workers, a union devoted to improving agricultural workers' lives. His efforts ranged from better pay to protection for workers from the pesticides and herbicides used in the fields where they labored.
In 1962, he founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became known as the United Farm Workers of America. Chavez led the union for nearly three decades until his death on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, Ariz.
In April 2002, the U.S. Postal Service issued a 37-cent stamp honoring Chavez and his efforts.
The theme of the Lubbock rally was "Vote with Hope."
Abeyta encouraged the crowd to register to vote and stressed the importance of making an individual's voice heard.
"We're here today because Cesar Chavez was one person who was willing to stand up and make a difference.
Sheryl Santos, a speaker at the rally, agreed voting is important for Lubbock residents.
"Really, voting is hope," Santos said. "This is a historic moment in Lubbock. Serving your people is a calling. Not many people hear that calling."
These leaders are the ones who are stepping up to the plate and putting their own personal well-being to the side, she said.
"The best tool is the ballot box," Santos said. "You vote with your heart and your head. That's the best tool for democracy."
Santos made references to Chavez and the leadership he possessed.
"Cesar knew justice and fairness were worth fighting for," Santos said. "I urge each of you to think of Cesar Chavez and others like him when you pull the (voting) lever."
Everyone needs to take the right to vote seriously and use it as an act of hope, she said.
Abeyta said the job of justice requires efforts such as organization, working together and education.
Marie Garza of Lubbock said she attended the event to show her appreciation for a man for whom she has great respect.
"People need to get out and vote because it's important for the community of Lubbock," Garza said.
"We can make a difference."

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