MEO to Present Cesar Chavez Award at Luncheon on Mar. 31

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Economic Opportunity will be presenting its Cesar Chavez Award to honor individuals who advocate and create an impact in the local Hispanic community. The luncheon and awards celebration will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MEO Family Center (99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku).

The cost is $15, payable in advance. Guests must RSVP and make a payment no later than Tuesday, Mar. 17, by calling Kai Oliver or Mae Koyanagi at (808) 249-2990.

The award is named after Cesar Estrada Chavez, a migrant worker who successfully campaigned and negotiated for fair wages and treatment of agricultural workers in the era of the great depression using peaceful tactics. Chavez’s widow, Helen Chavez, was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton in 1994 honoring her late husband’s work for social justice.

The first Cesar Chavez celebration was held by the MEO in 2005, and an award was created to recognize individuals who make a difference in the Hispanic community. Past recipients of the award include Cesar and Kimberly Gaxiola, Silvia Naiberg, Carlos David Hernandez, Molli K. Flemming, Oscar Martin Del Campo, Annette Dadez and Rudy Esquer.