For the first time, the University of Idaho will join other universities to nationally inform students about farmworker struggles.
This week, UI will celebrate national Farmworker Awareness Week, ending with the commemoration of Cesar Chavez Day.
Farmworker Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness of farmworker issues on college and university campuses.
The week-long events commenced Monday with a presentation on farmworking struggles throughout time titled, “Harvesting the Fields Throughout Time,” and the “Bandana Project,” a public awareness campaign aimed at “addressing the issue of workplace sexual violence against migrant farmworker women in the United States.”
Today, events continue with the National Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Challenge, where UI students will compete with more than 260 other campuses nationwide to collect the most donations.
“We have had the blood drive for the past couple of years. The whole challenge is to see who can get the most people to donate blood,” said Jesse Martinez, associate director for programs and outreach at the College Assistance Migrant Program. “Last year we finished ninth nationally. Our goal this year is to be in the top five, but we would like first. Cesar Chavez was always looking to help the community as part of the bigger picture. So the organizers thought of the blood drive as something Cesar had as a vision for a good cause.”
The drive will take place from noon to 4 p.m. in the Teaching and Learning Center second floor foyer.
The “Bandana Project” will also continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upper canvas area of the Idaho Commons.
Wednesday the presentation “Through the Eyes of a Farmworker,” which showcases the life of a migrant worker, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Idaho Commons Whitewater Room. That evening, “After I picked the Fruit,” a documentary following five immigrant farmworker women during a 10-year period, will play from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. A panel discussion will follow the film.
Thursday afternoon “Through the Eyes of a Farmworker” will show again from noon to 2 p.m. in the Whitewater Room.
The Mariachi Huenachi will perform at 12:15 p.m. Friday in the Commons Food Court, and before the keynote address.
Ending the week-long events, keynote speaker Dolores Huerta will speak at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Administration Auditorium.
Huerta worked with Chavez founding the United Farm Workers, which aims to provide safe work conditions and better pay for farmworkers. She is also a founding board member of the Feminist Majority Foundation and has been an advocate for women’s rights, while bringing attention to immigrants, women and youth issues through the Dolores Huerta Foundation.
“We expect the Admin Auditorium to be completely full. She is a Latina icon and someone — myself included — many people look up to in the community,” Martinez said. “She will talk about her background and her foundation, as well as talking about her obstacles and challenges as a farmworker woman … We want her to talk about her struggles and obstacles, but also give a message of empowerment.”
A dance will conclude the festivities from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Eastside Marketplace Event Center. Music will be provided by “Adiktos Musical” and tickets cost $7 in advance or $10 at the door.
Katy Sword can be reached at [email protected]