Colonel Wright Elementary Celebrates Latin(e) Community with Cesar E. Chavez Fun Run
Colonel Wright Elementary Students running a 3K to celebrate Cesar E. Chavez and the Latin(e) community. Photo Credit: NWCSD21
by Cole Goodwin
Julie Zapien. Photo Credit: NWCSD21
Julie Zapien, Local Bilingual Family Liaison fro North Wasco County School District 21, and The Colonel Wright Elementary School Team successfully organized a community event centered around bolstering Latin(e) family engagement at Colonel Wright Elementary School. Zapien began planning the event independently in January, with the goal of creating an event that "fit" the community and laid a foundation for future events.
The event, which took place on March 31st, was focused on celebrating the birthday of Cesar E. Chavez and honoring his work for the Latin(e) community.
A flyer for the event.
“My goal was to invite Latin(e) based partners to an event specially dedicated for Colonel Wright. I began my work by using connections previously established to invite partners such as MCMC, The Next Door, WIC, Fort The Dalles, The Discovery Center, CAT transportation, Mid-Columbia Center for Living, and The Dalles Library,” said Zapien.
The event featured a 3k fun run, where participants honored the many miles migrant workers walked to gain fair wage and rights. As well as music, free prizes, and food provided by Tacos Tumbras.
A student gives the thumbs up at the event. Photo Credit: NWCSD21
Students playing marimba music at the event. Photo Credit: NWCSD21
Zapien's mission to engage the Latin(e) community was a success, children, families, and D21 staff, came together to celebrate and support the event.
In her speech, Zapien welcomed everyone to the event and thanked them for their support. She emphasized the importance of celebrating Cesar E. Chavez's birthday and the legacy he left on farm labor rights.
Chavez was born into a Mexican-American family of migrant farm laborers in Arizona. The poverty and mistreatment he experienced growing up in a farm worker family inspired him to become a grassroots organizer and make improving conditions for farmworkers his life’s work.
Following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr, Chavez practiced nonviolent civil disobedience such as strikes, boycotts, marches, and fasts to draw attention to the cause.
"When we are really honest with ourselves, we must admit that our lives are all that really belongs to us. So it is how we use our lives that determines what kind of men we are. It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness, is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally non-violent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us be men,” wrote Chavez for a speech following his first 25 day fast for La Causa.
Chavez went on to found the United Farm Workers Union and help pave the way for groundbreaking civil rights and labor rights legislations. During his life he received high praise and support from both Robert F. Kennedy and Coretta Scott King. And in 1994 Chavez was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, posthumously.
Zapien also recognized the hard work of migrant workers and the many miles they walked to gain fair wages and rights.
“He changed the world through peace and without violence. He worked to protect those who could not protect themselves. Tonight's run is a fun run where we honor the many miles migrant workers walked to gain fair wages and rights,” said Zapien.
“Each and every one of you is a huge part of this community and we hope with your support we can continue to have future events like this one. Together we can, together we are a strong community,” she continued.
Zapien, who grew up in the Columbia River Gorge, said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in creating a culture of diveristy and inclusion at the school and in the community.
"The Colonel Wright team played a huge part in the help and organization of this event. They took on extra work to make this come together. Thank you to Luke Viera, the Principal of Colonel Wright, Liz Skinner, Jeremiah Paulson, Tom Conklin, Jodi Ketchum, Amy Blizzard, Erin Cyphers, and Romana Harwood who made this event come together with all their hard work,” said Zapien.
Zapien expressed gratitude to the community for turning out to the event and hopes the event will serve as a foundation and an inspiration for future community events that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the North Wasco County School District.
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