PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network, is sponsoring a Colegio Cesar Chavez 50th Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 26 at Father Bernard Youth & Retreat Center in Mount Angel. The free event is from 12-5 p.m. and is open to the public.
The Colegio, established in 1972, was the first accredited, independent, four-year Chicano/Latino college in United States history. It closed in 1983. Event organizers promise a vibrant journey back in time.
Named after Mexican-American civil rights activist César Chávez, this family and community event will bring together the Colegio staff and alumni, their families, high school students and community members.
“PODER is immensely honored to host this event, spotlighting a remarkable chapter in Oregon’s history, and the profound influence it had on the educational journey of countless Latinos,” said Anthony Veliz, PODER Board Chair and President.
There will be music, featured storytelling, food and drinks, and entertainment as guests gather to celebrate and reminisce on Oregon history that became a catalyst for equal educational opportunities for Chicano and minority students in the Northwest.
Visitors can step into the shoes of the founders, staff, and alumni of the Colegio and hear stories of resilience and triumph. The Colegio Cesar Chavez Exhibit will have textual documents, photographs, and recordings on display, and there will be an oppirtunity to learn about the Colegio’s role in promoting and implementing post-secondary educational opportunities for Chicano students 50 years ago.
PODER will also be offering the general public a few seats at the private kick-off event which starts at 9 a.m. and will feature networking opportunities with guests, breakfast, and a keynote speech by Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Beaverton School District.
For more information call 503-953-2128 or email [email protected].
PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network is a new nonprofit organization made up of over 500 Latino leaders, organizations in both the private and public sectors, businesses, public employees, community members, and allies across Oregon. PODER’s mission is to convene Latinos from across Oregon to build collective power and capacity and facilitate people-driven solutions to achieve social, economic, and civic prosperity for all.
