Throughout the month of March, the Latino Staff Association (LaSA) celebrated the legacy of labor leader, community organizer, businessman and Latino American civil rights activist César Chávez through a UCOP community fitness challenge.

Individuals and teams chose from three activity options — a 3-mile virtual run/walk/hike, 30-activity challenge or 300-mile challenge — to symbolize César Chávez leading farmworkers on a peaceful 300-mile march from Delano to Sacramento to raise awareness of farmworkers’ plight. The categories were designed to make the challenge accessible to people at all levels of ability.

This is the first year LaSA has held a César Chávez Commemorative Virtual Activity Challenge, and it was a huge success! Sixty participants from throughout California, Arizona, Illinois and Washington, D.C. raised $2,500. Over the next few months, LaSA members will work with the UC systemwide Chicano/Latino Advisory Council to identify applicants and select scholarship recipients.

During a March 31 celebration to culminate the event, LaSA shared a video from “Hasta Sacramento 1966,” which described César Chávez’ march from Delano to Sacramento. All participants received a specially designed commemorative medal, and five received gift cards to outdoor equipment stores:

• Claudia Martinez
• Lupe Gallegos-Diaz
• Carl Welliver
• Barbara Heilmann
• Jeane Blunt

“We hope people will remember César Chávez throughout the year – especially during the pandemic. The farmworkers are essential workers,” says LaSA member Beth Kellman. “We need to continue to go outside and discover new walks, hikes and bike paths. Let’s get in shape for next year!”

For more details and photos from the event, download the presentation slides (PDF).

Learn more about LaSA. For questions, contact LASA-UCOP@ucop.edu.

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