Community Celebrates Cesar Chavez Day at Annual Flint Luncheon

FLINT, Mich. — The Latinx Technology and Community Center hosted its annual Cesar Chavez Day Luncheon at the Flint Institute of Arts on March 29, 2025, celebrating the legacies of labor rights leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The event featured speakers who shared insights on the leaders’ contributions to the labor movement and recognized individuals who have positively impacted the local community.

During the luncheon, attendees engaged in networking opportunities, listened to live mariachi performances, and shared a meal catered by the Flint Social Club. The gathering also included the presentation of scholarships to two local college students, as well as the Chavez Service Award, which honors community members who exemplify the spirit of social activism.

Lauren Coney, the advancement coordinator for the Latinx Center, emphasized the importance of community in honoring Chavez’s legacy. “I think at the root of it, it’s about community. We have community members, we have Latinx board members here, we have community partners, just bringing the community together to celebrate,” Coney said.

Keynote speaker Celia Perez-Booth urged attendees to recall their personal memories of Chavez to ensure future generations remember his contributions. “When we stop talking about important people in our lives that have died, this is when their spirit really dies,” Perez-Booth stated, underlining the necessity of preserving the history of such activists.

Asa Ascencio Zuccaro, the executive director of the Latinx Center, highlighted the ongoing relevance of Chavez and Huerta’s work amidst current challenges faced by marginalized communities. “Recognizing the contributions of individuals like Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta is critical in reminding us that diverse cultures have shaped American society,” he said.

In his emotional address, Ascencio Zuccaro reflected on the plight of immigrant families, discussing the impact of political rhetoric that he believes marginalizes long-standing community members. “No matter what side of the political aisle you’re on, I know there’s common ground,” he said, calling for unity and understanding.

Attendees such as Saginaw resident Angelo Kapp voiced their commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion. “Diversity is the greatest strength of America, and if we’re ever going to be a stronger country, we need to be more united in our values,” Kapp asserted. “Education and a safe home for our children are what make America great.”