Honoring Farmworkers: A Celebration of Cesar Chavez

The Accokeek Foundation, Rural Coalition, and Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission co-present the 2012 Food Justice Series. The Series kicks off this Thursday, March 29th, at 6:00pm at Cesar Chavez Prep with "Honoring Farmworkers: A Celebration of Cesar Chavez," which includes a brief film screening and discussion with members of the Chavez Family.

This four-part presentation of the Robert Ware Straus Lecture Series brings together farmers, policy advocates, community leaders, faith- and government-based initiatives focusing on building local, equitable and sustainable food systems. Topics include a celebration of the legacy of Cesar Chavez, farmworker justice, food access in Southern Maryland, and young and beginning farmers as well as a look at our diverse ancestral farming in this region.

Reminder: Part II of Accokeek's Food Justice Series is Tonight

@Busboys and Poets 14th and V Location. Part two of the series of open-to-all events will feature Denzell Mitchel of Five Seeds Farm, Michele Levy of Crossroads Farmers Market, and Don Bustos from Santa Cruz Farm! Come out and support the Accokeek Foundation, the National Immigrant Farming Initiative, and the Rural Coalition. Speakers and guests will spotlight the issues that affect food justice on a local and global scale. Here's a little more about the series from Community Outreach and Education Coordinator at Accokeek, Molly Meehan:

"In recognizing the intersection between sustainable agriculture and a fair and just food system, we have invited farmers, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to address such topics as agricultural policy, food sovereignty, building local and just food systems, achieving food access, and the connection between the environment, our health, and our food. With this series, we hope to cultivate insight and conversation among diverse members of the community, demonstrate opportunities for action with locally based initiatives, strengthen our solidarity, and develop an awareness of the pressing need to restore justice to our food and our land."

"Sí, se puede"

Thursday, March 31st, is César Chávez Day. The Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader, civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association (now United Farm Workers) is celebrated for his devotion to the farm workers' movement and unique approach to unionism that made the farm workers' struggle a moral cause with nationwide support.

In nearby Washington, D.C., our friends at the Accokeek Foundation Center for Agricultural and Environmental Stewardship, in partnership with the Rural Coalition and National Immigrant Farming Initiative, are celebrating Chávez by kicking off their four-part lecture series exploring issues that affect food justice on a local and global scale. Tirso Moreno, leader of the Farmworker Association of Florida, and Board Member of the National Immigrant Farming Initiative and Rural Coalition will share the experience of farmworkers today. Delegates from the Rural Coalition and National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association will report on Via Campesina’s Global Forum for Life, Environment, and Social Justice in Cancun and Kathy Ozer from the National Family Farm Coalition will discuss food sovereignty and grassroots policy advocacy.

If you are interested in local and just food systems, bettering food access, and the connection between the environment, our health, and our food, this is the perfect place to mingle with like-minded folks and learn more about what's happening in the movement. The event is free and open to all however donations are welcome. The event takes place from 6:00 - 8:00pm in thge Langley Room at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20009. Find more information here.